Kia Rio to Exit UK Market and Europe Later This Year Without a Replacement

Kia Motors have announced that the Rio supermini is set to exit the UK market, as well as most other European markets later this year. Not only will the fourth generation model cease production, but it will also not be receiving a direct replacement according to Autocar.

The Kia Rio is produced at the Sohari factory in South Korea and whilst still available for customers in the UK, cars are limited to stock from dealerships as Kia are winding down European deliveries of the model. The Korean manufacturer’s car has had declining success in Europe over recent years with 32,506 Rios sold in 2022; representing a 9% drop on 2021 figures from Jato Dynamics. In comparison it’s closest rival, the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa sold over five times that amount with 164,119 units.

Proving more popular than its low-slung counterpart is Kia's own A-segment Picanto hatchback which accounted for 10% of overall UK sales that same year and was third best-selling in its segment. The lack of demand for regular hatchbacks may be attributed to the continued trend towards compact crossovers like the Stonic crossover - viewed by some as an alternative to those seeking out superminis. Kia have also assured consumers they remain ‘fully committed to the 'small car' A- and B-segments'.

No specified date has been given by Kia Motors as to when production of the Rio will end however reports suggest no further examples will arrive into the UK after this news announcement.

Source: Autocar