Kia boosts UK supply of e-Niro to cut lead times

Kia dealers can expect greater availability of the popular e-Niro model as the brand secures increased supply, cutting lead times to just a few weeks.

The fully electric e-Niro has been in high demand since its launch in 2018, with long waiting lists stretching some 12 months.

Now, Kia is able to deliver an e-Niro to a new customer in September (as of August 8). Availability of the new Kia Soul EV is also said to be improved.

The supply boost follows a similar move by Kia’s sister brand Hyundai, which is now able to supply Kona Electrics in a similarly swift time period.

Kia said the latest increase in UK allocation for e-Niro will provide its dealer network the opportunity to display more demonstrator models, allowing customers to see and feel the car and enhance the buying process.

It will also support a boom in fleet demand for the electric model, following the reduction in benefit-in-kind tax to 0% for the current tax year.

In July, Kia UK delivered more e-Niros in one month than in the entirety of 2019. Overall, the Niro accounted for more than 2,500 of the brand's 9,110 registrations in July - beating the best-selling Sportage. Overall, Kia's sales were up 28% in the month.

Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia Motors (UK), said: “The Niro family has brought increased variance, style and eco credentials to our UK product offering. With the additional e-Niro availability coming to our shores it places our dealer partners in a better position to satisfy the huge demand we have received for the vehicle. What’s more, the recently launched Soul EV adds to this ability to give our customers what they want, when they want it.”

Find out how Philpott is banking on electric vehicles to boost Kia’s sales performance in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, in our face-to-face interview.

Kia recently extended the e-Niro model line-up with three trim levels and the option of a smaller, cheaper battery.

The e-Niro is now offered with a more traditional trim walk, consisting of 2, 3, and 4+ grades. Entry-level 2 models are fitted with a 39kWh battery pack, which provides a range of up to 180 miles and costs £32,595 (exc grant).

Other e-Niro grades feature a 64kWh battery and provide a range of 282 miles.