Kia wins DHL Korea as a customer for PBV transporters
DHL Korea is the first major customer for the new Kia vehicles. Under the agreement, Kia will develop optimised models of PBVs that will meet the requirements of DHL’s specific business solutions. Kia says the medium-sized PV5, which will be manufactured from 2026, will be the first PBV solution model handed over to DHL. It will be followed by a large-sized PV7 manufactured in 2027.
Mid- to long-term, Kia wants to supply “diverse PBV-linked solutions” to DHL Korea, helping the latter electrify its entire delivery fleet. That includes providing EV charging and warranty services.
It has been clear that Kia wants to break into the light commercial vehicle market since the South Koreans presented their future strategy called ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ (PBV) at the beginning of the year. The focus here is on modular electric commercial vehicles and the integration of connectivity, robotics and autonomous driving. The abbreviation PBV otherwise stands for ‘Purpose Built Vehicles’, i.e. electric vehicles specially designed for taxi services and ride-hailing providers. Kia’s new PBV platform is moving in that direction but is supposed to go far beyond the usual approach. It is about customised vehicles in combination with advanced software and individual services.
Kia first showed the PBV solution to Europe at the IAA Transportation 2024. The company plans to expand the platform to other regions like Japan. The manufacturer says it will soon unveil the PV7 model in the country and plans to launch the product in the Japanese market by 2026.
Kia has yet to reveal any specific pricing for the upcoming vehicles. When we spoke to Sjoerd Knipping, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Kia Europe, at the IAA in September, he said details on pricing will be disclosed in early 2025.
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