MOU Signed on October 27 to Establish an Eco-Friendly Delivery Ecosystem
Kia is taking the lead in creating a domestic eco-friendly delivery ecosystem by partnering with the Coupang Partners Alliance (CPA) to utilize PBVs (Purpose-Built Vehicles).
On October 27, Kia announced that it had held a signing ceremony at its brand experience center, Kia360, and entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Coupang Partners Alliance to establish an eco-friendly delivery ecosystem using PBVs.
The signing ceremony was attended by Jung Wonjung, Head of Domestic Business Division at Kia, Shin Horyong, President of Coupang Partners Alliance (HR Group CEO), and other representatives from both sides.
The Coupang Partners Alliance is a coalition of courier companies that have entered into delivery consignment agreements with Coupang Logistics Service (Coupang CLS), the delivery subsidiary of Coupang, Korea's largest e-commerce company.
With the recent launch of its first dedicated electric PBV, the PV5, Kia has agreed to actively cooperate with the Coupang Partners Alliance to convert existing internal combustion engine-based delivery vehicles to electric PBVs, thereby contributing to the creation of a domestic eco-friendly delivery ecosystem.
Jung Wonjung, Head of Domestic Business Division at Kia, and Shin Horyong, President of Coupang Partners Alliance (HR Group CEO, left), are posing for a commemorative photo at the 'PBV Utilization for Eco-Friendly Delivery Ecosystem Creation' business agreement ceremony held on the 27th at the Kia brand experience center Kia360. Provided by Kia
From the planning and development stages of the PV5, Kia identified the requirements for PBV vehicles optimized for the delivery field. By September this year, Kia verified the operational suitability of the PV5 by conducting pilot operations with delivery drivers affiliated with the Coupang Partners Alliance.
Starting with the PV5 Cargo Long model, Kia plans to supply vehicles optimized for the advanced delivery work environment, utilizing the full PV5 lineup-including upcoming models such as the box truck and Cargo High Roof-as well as various PBV models like the 'PV7.'
To ease the financial burden of vehicle purchases for delivery drivers, Kia is offering a 10-year ultra-long-term installment program called 'Long Run Installment' and the '5-Zero Installment' program, which waives monthly payments for the first five months of a 60-month installment plan.
Kia also plans to provide optimal charging infrastructure and discounted charging rates tailored to the characteristics of each delivery company in the Coupang Partners Alliance through charging consulting under the 'Kia e-Life Package Biz' program. In addition, Kia will actively listen to the feedback from Coupang Partners Alliance members during the field testing of subsequent PV5 models and new PBVs.
A Kia representative stated, "By leveraging our diverse PBV lineup, we aim to meet the evolving needs of the delivery market and contribute to improving the efficiency and productivity of the delivery industry. Through our collaboration with the Coupang Partners Alliance, we will continue to create a safer and more efficient work environment for delivery drivers."
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