Participation in the Korea Assistive Technology Expo
Kia has unveiled the 'PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle)' for wheelchair users at a domestic expo related to people with disabilities.
Kia announced that it will exhibit the PV5 WAV at the 20th Korea Assistive Technology Expo, which will be held for two days from June 10 at the aT Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul.
This expo, hosted by the Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities, is an event that showcases the latest trends in technologies and products related to assistive devices necessary for the vocational lives of people with disabilities.
The PV5 WAV is a model that reflects Kia's commitment to providing greater mobility freedom for transportation-vulnerable individuals. It features optimal boarding and living space, as well as safety, for wheelchair users.
Key features include: ▲ Korea's first universal design that allows both general passengers and wheelchair users to board ▲ A low-floor design based on the dedicated EGMP.S platform and a side entry method that enhances convenience for wheelchair users ▲ A structure that allows a caregiver to accompany and assist the wheelchair user from the third row.
In addition, the PV5 WAV will be produced at the Hwaseong EVO Plant, Kia's dedicated plant for purpose-built vehicles (PBVs). No separate modification by an external company is required, and vehicle maintenance can be easily performed through Kia's official service network.
To reduce the inconvenience experienced by transportation-vulnerable individuals when using general vehicles, Kia is also preparing to equip the PV5 WAV with a variety of applications based on the AAOS (Android Automotive OS) open software platform.
The PV5 WAV is scheduled to be launched in Korea for the first time in the fourth quarter of this year. Kia expects that this exhibition will provide transportation-vulnerable individuals with the opportunity to experience the PV5 WAV firsthand.
In addition, Kia plans to promote the product to corporate taxi operators and listen to various opinions from representatives of disability organizations. Through these efforts, Kia aims to facilitate the domestic adoption of PV5 WAV-based taxis that can accommodate both general passengers and wheelchair users, and to lead the electrification of the mobility market for transportation-vulnerable individuals.
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