Technology

Kia outpaces market to become Europe’s fastest-growing top-10 automotive brand

Published

2 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Kia significantly outperformed the European market in May, delivering 14.9% growth—nearly four times the market’s 3.6% increase (year–on–year)Market share gains across Europe highlight strong demand and accelerating consumer transition to electrified vehiclesWith one of the broadest and most advanced EV portfolios, Kia continues to be a top-performing volume brand in Europe.

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany, July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kia delivered 49,382 units in May 2026 particularly driven by outstanding sales in UK, Germany, Spain and Italy — thereby contributing to a standout 14.9% growth in one of the year’s most competitive sales periods, according to data released by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)*. By comparison, the overall market grew by just 3.6%, with Kia expanding nearly four times faster.

Market share gains across Europe highlight strong customer demand and the accelerating transition to electrified vehicles. With one of the broadest and most advanced EV portfolios, Kia continues to rank among Europe’s strongest-performing volume brands.

Performance gains translated directly into share growth, with Kia increasing its Europe-wide share from 3.9% to 4.3%, and EU-only share from 3.6% to 4.1%. For the first five months of the year (January–May), Kia remains ahead of the market, growing 5.1% versus 4.1% overall.

“Sustained demand for Kia’s electrified portfolio is driving our growth ahead of the market” said Soohang Chang, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “Our success reflects the strength of our brand, our dealer network, and our customer-focused EV strategy. With one of Europe’s most comprehensive EV line-ups, we are delivering real-world efficiency, convenience and design that resonates with customers”.

Strong product momentum

Product performance remained robust, led by the Sportage, Kia’s best-selling model with 16,072 units, reinforcing its leadership across the C-segment.The Picanto ranked second (5,955 units), followed by the Stonic (4,868 units) and K4 (1,887 units).

Electrification drives growth

Electrified powertrains continued to dominate market growth in May across the EU, EFTA and UK. Hybrid vehicles held the largest share at 35.5%, followed by battery-electric vehicles at 23.3%, which overtook petrol at 21.7%, while plug-in hybrids accounted for 10.7% of the market. This shift highlights the accelerating pace of electrification across Europe.

Kia recorded 15,443 battery-electric vehicle sales during the month, led by the EV3 with 4,770 units. The EV4, in both hatchback and sedan variants, achieved a combined 2,886 units, followed by the EV5 with 2,499 units and the EV2 with 2,464 units, just months after its launch.

Across all electrified powertrains (BEV, HEV, PHEV), Kia sold 30,995 units. The Sportage HEV led hybrids (6,869 units), while the XCeed topped plug-in hybrid sales (2,753 units).

Looking ahead

Kia is at the forefront of electrification in Europe, enabling customers to transition towards electrification by expanding its HEV lineup and delivering innovative, desirable and accessible EVs.

*Source: ACEA – for EU + EFTA + UK. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, based on aggregated data provided by national automobile associations, ACEA members, and S&P Global Mobility.

About Kia Europe

Kia Europe is the European sales and manufacturing division of Kia Corporation – a global mobility brand that is creating innovative, pioneering, and leading sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies around the world. As a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider, Kia is spearheading the popularisation of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around.

Kia Europe, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, employs in total over 5,500 employees from 40 nationalities in 39 markets across Europe and the Caucasus. It also oversees European production at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Žilina, Slovakia. Kia’s innovative products continue to attract great acclaim, notably the EV6 battery electric vehicle, becoming the first Korean car to be named European Car of the Year in 2022.

Further information can be found here: www.press-eu.kia.com

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Technology

Dymax Opens New Distribution and Technical Center in Querétaro, Strengthening Regional Support Across Mexico and Latin America

Published

43 minutes ago

July 2, 2026

QUERÉTARO, Mexico, July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dymax, a global manufacturer of light-curing materials and equipment, celebrated the opening of its new distribution and technical facility in Querétaro, expanding its ability to support customers across Mexico and Latin America.

Located in Parque Terra Park Centenario in El Marqués, the facility provides faster response times, local inventory, and enhanced technical support. The opening ceremony brought together company leadership, partners, customers, and local officials to highlight the investment’s role in strengthening Mexico’s advanced manufacturing sector.

Supporting Growth and Innovation

The new facility addresses growing demand across industries including medical devices, automotive electronics, and aerospace, where precision and reliability are critical. As manufacturing advances through electrification, miniaturization, and connected technologies, Dymax’s local presence enables faster collaboration and deployment of engineered solutions.

“This facility represents more than an expansion of our footprint—it reflects our commitment to being closer to our customers and supporting their success,” said Greg Bachmann, Director and Chairman of Dymax Companies. “We are investing in the capabilities, expertise, and partnerships needed to help customers innovate, improve performance, and bring products to market more efficiently.”

Local Expertise and Regional Reach

The Querétaro site combines distribution with technical resources for product development, application testing, and process optimization, enabling closer collaboration and improved manufacturing outcomes. It also strengthens Dymax’s partner network across Latin America, improving availability, reducing lead times, and expanding access to training and support.

Guido Albo-Gutierrez, Senior Regional Sales and Operations Manager, LATAM, commented: “Establishing operations in Querétaro positions us at the center of one of the world’s most dynamic manufacturing regions. This facility allows us to provide faster service and deeper technical collaboration with customers and partners across Mexico and Latin America.”

A Strategic Investment in Querétaro

Stéphane Idier, Director, France-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated: “Dymax’s investment reinforces Querétaro’s position as a leading destination for advanced manufacturing, supporting job creation, strengthening our industrial ecosystem, and contributing to continued regional growth.”

Mexico’s skilled workforce and role in global supply chains continue to attract companies expanding advanced manufacturing operations.

Looking Ahead

“This milestone is just the beginning,” added Bachmann. “We are excited to grow alongside our customers and partners in this region.”

The facility is located at Parque Terra Park Centenario, Nave A1-065, El Marqués, Querétaro. Customers can contact Dymax Mexico at info-LATAM@dymax.com or call +1 915 315 9381.

About Dymax

Dymax develops innovative rapid and light-curable materials, dispensing equipment, and UV/LED light-curing systems. The company’s adhesives, coatings, and equipment are perfectly matched to work seamlessly with each other, providing design engineers with tools to dramatically improve manufacturing efficiencies. Major markets include aerospace and defense; medical device; and consumer and automotive electronics.

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Technology

SKF and Leaderdrive form a venture for precision components in humanoids

Published

43 minutes ago

July 2, 2026

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SKF and Leaderdrive (LD), a global manufacturer specializing in precision robotic components, have signed an agreement to establish a venture in China focused on high-precision transmission components for robot joints. Through this investment, SKF takes an important step in the robotics industry, with a particular focus on the application of humanoids powered by Embodied AI technology in industrial settings. SKF will hold a 60% majority stake in the venture, which supports the Group’s strategic focus on high-growth segments.

The venture will develop and supply high-precision transmission components for robot joints that support the reliability required for continuous operation of humanoids in industrial applications. LD contributes with deep application know-how in automation products and humanoid robotics, while SKF brings expertise in bearing technology, scalable manufacturing and global supply chains. Together, the companies aim to accelerate time to market and support readiness for volume production in a fast-growing market for Embodied AI Humanoids.

“This venture is well aligned with our strategy to drive profitable growth and strengthen our position in selected high-growth industrial segments. Targeting the industrial humanoid segment, this partnership provides the agility needed to respond to rapid market iterations, while leveraging our core technologies to support industry advancement,” says Henry Wang, President, Industrial Region China and North-East Asia.

“As the Embodied AI humanoids industry continues to scale, the stable delivery of reliable core transmission components becomes a critical differentiator. Building on our shared foundation in industrial applications, we can help drive technological development in these humanoids and create sustainable value in this expanding market,” says Yuyu Zuo, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director at Leaderdrive.

Headquartered in China, the venture will be positioned close to key supply chains and customers, enabling a responsive operating model. In addition to serving China, the world’s largest and fastest-growing humanoid robotics market, the venture will leverage SKF’s global sales network to target selected international markets, including Europe, Japan and the US. The venture is expected to become operational end of 2026.

Aktiebolaget SKF
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For further information, please contact:
Press Relations: Carl Bjernstam, +46 31-337 2517; +46 722 201 893; carl.bjernstam@skf.com
Investor Relations: Sophie Arnius, +46 31-337 8072; +46 705 908 072; sophie.arnius@skf.com

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Technology

Invitation to media and analyst briefing for Ericsson Q2 2026 report

Published

43 minutes ago

July 2, 2026

Report to be released at approximately 7:00 AM CEST on July 14, 2026One live video webcast for analysts, investors and journalists at 9:00 AM CEST

STOCKHOLM, July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ericsson’s (NASDAQ: ERIC) financial report for the second quarter 2026 will be published at approximately 7:00 AM CEST on July 14, 2026. The company will issue a press release with the complete financial report attached, including tables, in PDF format. Following publication of the press release, the financial report will be available on Ericsson’s website: https://www.ericsson.com/en/investors

President and CEO Börje Ekholm and CFO Lars Sandström will comment on the report and take questions at a live video webcast at 9:00 AM CEST (8:00 AM BST London, 3:00 AM EDT New York).

Join the webcast or please go to www.ericsson.com/investors

To ask a question: Access dial-in information here

The webcast will be available on-demand after the event and can be viewed on our website.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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ABOUT ERICSSON:

Ericsson’s high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com

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