Kia PV5 Set for Release Next Year, Selected as a 'Car to Watch' by UK Specialist Magazine

Kia's PBV (Purpose Built Vehicle) PV5, set to launch next year, has been selected as a 'Vehicle to Watch' by a UK light commercial vehicle specialist magazine.

On the 5th (local time), Kia announced that the PV5 was chosen as a 'Vehicle to Watch' at the What Van? Awards, presented by the UK light commercial vehicle magazine What Van?. The What Van? Awards are selected through evaluations by a panel of independent judges across the light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector.

Among the categories, the 'Vehicle to Watch' section highlights the most attractive and interesting vehicles that bring change, vitality, or even disrupt the industry. James Dallas, editor of What Van?, commented, "The versatile modular format of the Kia PV5 sets the direction for electrification in the LCV market."

A Kia representative stated, "Kia's entry into the LCV market is a groundbreaking moment that expands the brand's business scope and marks an important point of industrial transformation. Kia will offer differentiated advantages by modernizing the commercial vehicle business based on vehicles built on an electric vehicle-dedicated platform."

Kia Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) PV5. Provided by Kia

In January this year, at CES 2024, the world's largest consumer electronics and IT exhibition, Kia redefined the PBV concept as 'Platform Beyond Vehicle.' They emphasized providing new business and lifestyle opportunities through customized designs with freedom and flexibility, as well as delivering efficient in-vehicle experiences through innovative space utilization. Kia plans to launch the first mid-sized PBV, the PV5, next year and officially expand its PBV business.

Kia will equip the PBV with conversion functions that allow various life modules to be swapped according to usage purposes such as passenger transport, cargo transport, and utility services. Enhancing connectivity with external data such as SDV (Software Defined Vehicle)-based routes and business-specific information, Kia plans to offer an 'FMS (Fleet Management System)' that enables simultaneous operation of multiple vehicles.

Kia's first dedicated PBV model, the PV5, features a spacious and flat interior created by a dedicated EV platform and an extended wheelbase. It will be released in various conversion models including basic passenger and cargo versions, as well as open bed, insulated, and refrigerated truck variants.