Kia to Establish PBV Subsidiary in Japan... Successive Launches of Electric Minivans

PV5 Unveiled at Japan Mobility Show 2025
Kia PBV Japan to Be Established Next Year with Local Trading Company

On October 29, Kia unveiled its Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV), the PV5, for the first time at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. Previously, Kia had signed a contract with local general trading company Sojitz and began local sales. Starting next year, Kia plans to establish a separate entity funded by Sojitz to make a full-scale entry into the minivan market.

The PV5 is currently sold in Korea and Europe. As part of its plan to expand exports to Japan, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa next year, Kia chose Japan as a key market for broadening its sales network. Kia stated, "The strategy of leading with PBV models will allow us to establish a differentiated position from other global automakers already present in Japan," adding, "We believe we can offer a practical solution to Japan's carbon reduction challenges."

Sangdae Kim, Head of PBV Business Division at Kia, is introducing the PV5 vehicle at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 on the 29th. Photo by Korea Automobile Journalists Association

Kia and Sojitz will establish Kia PBV Japan to provide comprehensive services across sales, service, and operations by leveraging local distribution networks. Initially, the plan is to have eight dealerships and 100 service centers in place next year. The sales target is set at 1,000 units in the first year of launch and 2,000 units the following year.

Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV Business Division at Kia, commented, "This launch is significant not just as the introduction of a new model, but as a way to present a new vision of mobility to Japanese society." He added, "By achieving early stabilization of the PBV business through local partnerships, we aim to become both a partner in solving Japan's environmental issues and a trusted collaborator for mutual growth in the long term."

Masayoshi Fujimoto, Chairman of Sojitz, stated, "An aging society and declining regional populations will ultimately lead to labor shortages and severe pressure on logistics networks," and added, "Kia shares our vision of helping society function more effectively."

Kia Purpose-Built Vehicle PV5 exhibited at Japan Mobility Show 2025. Photo by Korea Automobile Journalists Association

Japan is known as a challenging market for imported vehicles due to the strength of its domestic automotive brands. However, for electric commercial vehicles, choices are limited, and Kia believes the PV5 is competitive as it can help address social issues such as increased logistics demand and gaps in regional transportation. The company cited features like the modularized flexible body system for the chassis and doors, and the V2 function that allows the vehicle to serve as an emergency power source.

In the first year of launch, Kia will introduce two models in Japan: the PV5 Passenger and Cargo. The lineup will be expanded to include the PV5 WAV, and the following year, a successor model, the PV7, will be released. At this year's event, Kia and Sojitz jointly exhibited the PV5 Passenger, Cargo, WAV, and a camping concept model.