"We will meet all your needs."
Kia's purpose-built vehicle (PBV) is showcasing its first creation, 'The Kia PV5.'
On the 3rd, during the press event for the '2025 Seoul Mobility Show' held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Kia unveiled the 'The Kia PV5 (hereafter referred to as PV5)' for the first time in Korea, which is expected to bring a shift in the mobility paradigm. This vehicle is the same model that was first introduced last month to global media representatives at 'Kia EV Day' in Spain.
Kia's PBV is a customized mobility solution that integrates vehicles and software solutions developed from the customer's perspective, based on three major innovative elements: vehicle product performance, software solutions, and institutional sector. It is set to supply models that best fit the various lifestyles and business environments of users at the manufacturer level. Thus, Kia aimed to evolve the concept of a purpose-built vehicle (PBV) into a platform beyond a vehicle (PBV, Platform Beyond Vehicle). This is literally a shift in the mobility paradigm.
The first dedicated PBV born under Kia's PBV business strategy, the PV5, is a medium-sized PBV developed to be utilized for various purposes, including mobility services, logistics, and leisure activities, by applying a purpose-customized vehicle structure and advanced technology.
The PBV-exclusive platform 'E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service)' optimally adds product performance to the excellent electrification technology of Hyundai Motor Group's electric vehicle dedicated platform 'E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform),' providing a spacious interior and cargo space. It allows for a wide range of product lineup responses from compact to large PBVs through the application of various upper body installations tailored to different purposes.
Additionally, by applying the 'Flexible Body System' that modularizes the body parts of the PV5, such as the roof, doors, and tailgate, it can produce various body specifications optimized for customer demands in a timely manner.
Kia showcased a variety of PV5 lineups, including a passenger-focused version in the PV5 Zone, a cargo version designed specifically for logistics and urban delivery featuring ample cargo space, and a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) model developed for the convenience of individuals with mobility challenges, comprehensively demonstrating the PV5's potential to adapt to customer purposes.
Kia created 'PV5 Town' in collaboration with global character and toy brand Playmobil to present innovative examples of PV5 utilization in an engaging way to visitors at the exhibition center.
Visitors to PV5 Town can intuitively understand the value of free mobility represented by the WAV model and the practicality of the cargo model, which presents optimal transportation solutions such as service for individuals with mobility challenges and last mile delivery through Playmobil characters and sculptures set up as delivery drivers and other roles.
Kia also unveiled concept cars, 'Spielraum Studio' for mobile office use and 'Spielraum Glow Cabin' for car-picnicking, applying PBV-customized spatial solutions in collaboration with global home appliance brand LG Electronics. Spielraum means 'play space' in German and is an innovative mobility space solution that integrates LG Electronics' customized modular home appliances into the Kia PV5. The term 'car picnic' is a combination of 'car' and 'picnic,' meaning to enjoy a picnic while driving.
The 'Spielraum Studio' concept car, designed for customers needing a workspace while traveling, is equipped with AI home appliances optimized for the PV5 interior space, including a Styler, smart mirror, and coffee machine, while the 'Spielraum Glow Cabin' concept car, featuring a refrigerator, microwave oven, and wine cellar, provides a convenient and unique spatial experience for customers enjoying outdoor activities.
Additionally, Kia showcased information about the 'Kia AddGear' platform, which assists customers in mounting various modular items in the PV5 interior based on their preferences and the 'Kia e-Life Package Biz,' which provides charging consulting and infrastructure setup solutions to corporate customers purchasing EVs.
Jung Won-jeong, Vice President of Kia’s Domestic Business Division, said, "The PV5 showcased at this Seoul Mobility Show best illustrates the direction of Kia's pursuit of mobility innovation. It will open a new horizon in the mobility market as a highly customized solution that adapts to various customer needs and businesses."
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