[CES 2024] Kia Bespoke Car Transforms into Office and Camping Car

PBV Lineup of 5 Vehicles Unveiled
Adjustments to Design and Driver's Seat Position Made

# Kia's mid-size PBV (Purpose Built Vehicle) PV5, unveiled for the first time in the world at this year's CES. When sitting in the driver's seat and flipping the steering wheel upward, the cockpit instantly transforms into a desk. Soft light emanates from the upright steering wheel, creating a cozy workspace. With the full introduction of autonomous driving technology, it will be possible to study and read books inside the moving vehicle. Folding down all the rear seats reveals a wide and flat space large enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Rails are installed on the walls, allowing speakers, shelves, and other items to be attached wherever desired. This vehicle can be customized according to the user's purpose into versions such as a high-roof van, robo-taxi, or pickup truck.

On the 8th (local time), Kia presented PBV as the core future business leading innovation in mobility at the CES 2024 media conference held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA. On this day, Kia unveiled the PV5, the brand's first PBV to be released in 2025.

PBV is a 'bespoke vehicle' that can be made according to the user's desired use and purpose. Users can customize the interior and exterior design, seat arrangement, and even height adjustments. The shape can vary depending on various purposes such as vehicle calling, delivery, and utility.

Kia's PBV Lineup
Photo by Kia

Kia plans to launch the mid-size PBV PV5 in 2025, followed by the large PV7 and small PV1 models consecutively. The mid-size PV5 will be available in various versions including Basic, Delivery (van), Delivery High Roof, and Chassis Cab. At this event, Kia showcased a total of five PBV model lineups for the first time in the world, including three PV5 concept models, as well as PV1 and PV7 concepts.

The large PV7 offers the most spacious interior among the lineup and has the longest driving range. The small PV1 is optimized for short-distance logistics transport. Using a driving module, it minimizes the turning radius to move quickly even in narrow spaces.

Song Hoseong, President of Kia (photo), is introducing the PBV strategy at the Kia conference held on the 8th at the Mandalay Bay Hotel Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA, during CES 2024.
[Photo by Woo Suyeon]

Innovative manufacturing technologies such as Easy Swap and Dynamic Hybrid, enabling complete bespoke (customized) production, were also introduced. Kia's Easy Swap technology uses a hybrid unit combining magnetic and mechanical fastening, allowing users to assemble it as they wish. This means the vehicle's body shape can be changed according to the desired purpose without purchasing a new car. Additionally, Dynamic Hybrid technology allows adjustment of the vehicle's size and height to fit the customer's body shape. It is an assembly method that enables horizontal and vertical expansion to respond to a multi-product, small-volume production system.

Kia is also preparing software (SW) that provides optimized PBV solutions. The software to be offered is broadly divided into three areas: in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), fleet management system (FMS), and charging.

First, IVI can be developed directly by Kia or provided through third-party developers. It offers not only entertainment content but also personalized services linked to charging, parking, and payments. FMS is software that supports the stable operation of PBVs. It enables real-time driving control using vehicle data and provides predictive maintenance information to drivers by analyzing driving patterns and fault types based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Charging software offers vehicle charging consulting by considering charging schedules, driving routes, and driving plans.

Sung Ho-sung, President of Kia, said, "Soon, PBVs will revolutionize the mobility world and become the standard of mobility," adding, "Kia is ready to embrace and attempt all inspirations to change the way we work, move, and live."