The delivery of the one millionth Kia vehicle in Australia was marked with the handover of a new Tasman ute to Andrea and James Allendorf on September 3. The ceremony, held at Motorama Kia Moorooka, celebrated this significant milestone with the presence of Kia COO Dennis Piccoli, Motorama CEO Andrew Savvas, dealer principal Joel Mullins, and Kia ambassadors, former rugby league player Darren Lockyer and former tennis player Pat Rafter.
The Allendorfs received the keys to their Denim Blue-finished Kia Tasman X-Pro ute, a model that has sparked both interest and controversy in the Australian market. This milestone reflects Kia’s growing presence and success in the country since its official launch in 1988.
Kia’s Journey in Australia
Kia’s journey in the Australian automotive market began with the introduction of the Rocsta in 1988, sold under the Asia Motors subsidiary of Kia Motors. That year, only 60 units of the Jeep lookalike were sold. However, the brand steadily gained traction, achieving 12,524 total sales by 1998 and further expanding to 180,829 by the end of 2008.
By July 2018, Kia had reached the half-million sales mark in Australia, aided by the introduction of a seven-year warranty in 2014, which bolstered consumer confidence. The vehicle that marked this milestone would have only recently exited its warranty period, highlighting the brand’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Current Market Performance and Future Prospects
In 2024, Kia surpassed 80,000 annual sales for the first time, with 81,787 deliveries. Year-to-date, sales have increased by 1.3% compared to the previous year, indicating sustained growth. The Sportage mid-sized SUV remains Kia’s best-seller, followed by the Carnival people-mover, Seltos small SUV, and Sorento large SUV. The Tasman ute, despite being a recent addition, was the fourth-best selling model in August.
“Reaching one million new car sales is a testament to the hard work and loyalty that each of our dealer network partners has placed in the Kia brand,” said Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith. “We certainly couldn’t reach this milestone without our customers from over the years, and we thank you for your trust in choosing a Kia model as your new car purchase.”
Unique Sponsorship Opportunity
In a unique gesture, the Allendorfs’ small business, Internal Demolitions, was awarded a one-year sponsorship of the Brisbane Broncos, a team also sponsored by Kia. This sponsorship includes signage, ticketing, and merchandise for the 2026 NRL season, providing significant exposure and benefits to the business.
The announcement comes as Kia continues to strengthen its market position and expand its customer base in Australia. The milestone not only highlights Kia’s past achievements but also sets the stage for future growth and innovation in the automotive industry.
As Kia looks to the future, the brand is expected to continue its trajectory of success, driven by a commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and innovative vehicle offerings that meet the diverse needs of Australian consumers.
