[CES 2024] Kia to Supply PBV Based on 'PV5 Model' to Uber

Finding the Optimal Specifications for Ride-Sharing
Producing Specialized Purpose-Built Vehicles

Kia is partnering with global ride-sharing service company Uber to actively expand its PBV business.

On the 10th (local time), Kia announced that it signed a partnership with Uber at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the United States, where CES 2024 is being held, agreeing to collaborate on the development and supply of PBVs optimized for Uber Mobility.

The signing ceremony held at the Kia exhibition hall was attended by key representatives from both companies, including Yoon Seung-gyu, Head of Kia North America Region (Vice President), Kim Sang-dae, Head of Kia PBV Business Division (Executive Director), Susan Anderson, Head of Uber Global Business Division, and Ajay Dalvi, Uber Global Business Development Manager.

Through this agreement, Kia will jointly develop vehicles for Uber's ride-hailing service based on the PBV (Purpose Built Vehicle) model PV5, scheduled for release in 2025. Initially, they will identify the optimal specifications for drivers and passengers and collaborate to produce and supply specialized PBV models based on these specifications.

Kia held a PBV business cooperation agreement ceremony with Uber on the 10th (local time). (From left in the photo) Kim Sang-dae, Head of Kia PBV Business Division; Yoon Seung-gyu, Head of Kia North America Division; Susan Anderson, Head of Uber Global Business Division; and Nishith Kumar, Director of Uber Global Business Development, are posing for a commemorative photo. Photo by Kim Sang-dae

The PV5, which is the first to apply a dedicated electric vehicle platform for PBVs, offers advantages such as more spacious interiors and superior habitability compared to existing passenger taxi models. It is also equipped with a driver-only application featuring an open infotainment system and provides a personalized mobility environment for passenger convenience.

Additionally, Kia will apply 'KIA Connect' to offer PBV diagnostic and preventive services. Through this, drivers can detect potential malfunction signs in advance, minimizing maintenance costs and repair time, thereby reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Kia and Uber will also actively cooperate to expand charging infrastructure using global charging networks. They will jointly develop software that suggests optimal driving patterns and charging routes based on charging station and vehicle data analysis.

The two companies will collaborate to expand the operation of the 'Kia Flex' service in the North American region through integration with the Uber platform. By providing exclusive package benefits such as rental, insurance, and maintenance, they plan to enable more Uber drivers to subscribe to vehicles through Kia Flex.

Yoon Seung-gyu, Head of Kia North America Region, said, "Through the partnership with Uber, Kia aims to enhance the mobility experience with industry-leading hardware technology and high-quality software services. We will also contribute to achieving the electrification and sustainability goals pursued by both companies."