Kakao Call Optimization Car to Launch in 2025

Kia and Kakao Sign MOU to Develop Hailing-Dedicated PBV

Kia and Kakao Mobility have agreed to jointly develop a dedicated Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) optimized for car-hailing services. They plan to launch the service domestically in 2025 and expand overseas as well.

On the 11th, the executives of the two companies announced that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a dedicated PBV and linked platform service for hailing. PBV refers to a transportation means that differs from traditional driver-centered vehicles by efficiently configuring the interior space according to the intended use. PBVs can be utilized not only for passenger transport services such as taxis and buses but also for delivery and logistics vehicles. The industry anticipates that as autonomous driving technology advances in the mid to long term, the uses of vehicles will diversify further, leading to growth in the PBV market.

From the left in the photo are Kakao Mobility Vice Presidents Jang Seong-wook and Ahn Gyu-jin, CEO Ryu Geung-seon, Kia President Song Ho-sung, Vice President Kwon Hyuk-ho, and Executive Director Kim Sang-dae, posing for a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement at Kia headquarters on the 11th.

Under this agreement, the two companies will develop customized mobility solutions for various types of customers. They also set a goal to establish an eco-friendly vehicle-hailing standard model to lead the domestic mobility service market. Kia has previously expressed its vision to become the world’s number one PBV brand by 2030. Kakao Mobility is the largest mobility platform operator in Korea.

Kakao Mobility will request specialized specifications needed for the hailing-dedicated PBV, which Kia will incorporate accordingly. Kia is developing a mid-sized dedicated PBV model with a target launch in 2025. By actively applying the know-how accumulated from operating mobility service platforms to the new vehicle development process, they expect to enhance convenience for both service providers and users.

The two companies will cooperate to secure vehicle operation and status data, as well as to integrate in-vehicle infotainment with the Kakao T application and navigation systems. After completing the development and verification of new specialized services, they plan to officially launch the service starting in 2025. In the mid to long term, they also plan to introduce derivative services linked with vehicle data such as charging and parking. They aim to diversify business areas including services for transportation-vulnerable groups, logistics, and rental cars, and to jointly pursue overseas expansion.