Named "Van of the Year" by Leading European Media Outlets
Including Electrifying.com, News UK, and Parkers
The Kia Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) PV5 has demonstrated its technological competitiveness by winning consecutive awards at major global competitions.
On December 18, Kia announced that the PV5 had been named "Van of the Year" at awards organized by European media outlets Electrifying.com, News UK, and Parkers, respectively.
First, at the Electrifying.com Awards, the PV5 was praised as "a model opening a new chapter in the electric van market" and was selected as "Van of the Year."
Electrifying.com is a specialized electrified mobility media outlet that evaluates vehicles based on real-world usability and economic efficiency. The judging panel highly valued the PV5's convenient drivability, modular platform, and ease of conversion, emphasizing its customer-centric value.
Additionally, the PV5 was named "Van of the Year" at the "2025 News UK Motor Awards," hosted by News UK, one of the most influential media groups in the United Kingdom, thanks to its economical operating costs and practical features.
Furthermore, at the "2026 Parkers Van & Pickup Awards," hosted by the leading British automotive media Parkers, the PV5 received high praise for its ample driving range, excellent loading convenience, and spacious interior, claiming both the "Van of the Year" and "Best Electrified Van" titles.
Europe is renowned as the home of light commercial vehicles, where numerous brands have competed fiercely for decades. As such, the region is known for its strict requirements and high entry barriers regarding real-world usability, economic efficiency, durability, and safety.
A Kia representative explained that the PV5's immediate sweep of "Van of the Year" and major global awards upon its launch in Europe is significant, as it demonstrates the widespread recognition of the PV5's outstanding safety, performance, and economic efficiency from multiple perspectives.
This year, Kia launched the PV5 Cargo Long and Passenger 5-seater models in both the domestic and European markets. Starting next year, the company plans to introduce a variety of derivative models, including the Light Camper, Cargo High Roof, Open Bed, as well as Passenger 6- and 7-seater models.
In addition, Kia will accelerate its entry into global markets such as Japan, Africa & the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, aiming to complete a global PBV ecosystem tailored to each region's characteristics and secure leadership in the future mobility market.
Kia PBV Business Division Vice President Kim Sangdae said, "We are proud that the PV5, which embodies Kia's customer-centric management philosophy and the practicality inherited from Bongo, has proven its excellence worldwide. Going forward, we will sequentially launch various derivative models of the PV5, continuously listen to and reflect customer feedback, and lead innovation in mobility."
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