South Korean carmaker Kia Corp. has revealed its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) future strategy along with five PBV concept models at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas on Jan. 9.
The carmaker unveiled three concept PV5 derivatives, concept PV7 and concept PV1, with plans to make concept PV5 enter mass production in 2025. With its PBVs, Kia plans to offer users a blank canvas to redefine how space and mobility can adapt to their needs by providing exceptional flexibility through radical modularity.
Kia’s PBV business will initially be based around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, previewed by the Kia Concept PV5, it said in a statement on Jan. 9.
Kia said that its PBVs are going to be a total mobility solution that will combine fit-for-purpose electric vehicles with advanced software solutions based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s software-to-everything (SDx) strategy. As a Platform Beyond Vehicle, Kia PBVs will open the door to new businesses and lifestyles by redefining the concept of space, thanks to advanced, tailored interiors that provide ultimate freedom and flexibility, the carmaker said.
Kia’s PBV roadmap is divided into three distinct phases. Phase one will see the introduction of the Kia PV5, a versatile EV optimized for major domains such as hailing, delivery and utilities that features conversion capability for diverse customer needs.
Phase two will see the completion of the dedicated PBV model lineup, and PBVs will evolve into AI-based mobility platforms that use data to interact with users and ensure that the vehicles are always up to date. An integrated PBV solution will provide a customized, seamless experience across devices and software. Meanwhile, the carmaker expects that new forms of business linked with robotics and other future technologies will emerge.
In phase three, Kia PBVs will evolve into highly customizable, bespoke mobility solutions by integrating with the future mobility ecosystem. This is where Kia expects its PBVs will ultimately become life platforms that turn any inspiration into reality. To this end, it forecasts that connected self-driving vehicles will be managed as part of a single smart city operating system.
Kia’s multiphase plan is expected to help advance Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitions in robotics, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and autonomous driving.
Commenting on Kia’s PBV strategy, President and CEO Ho Sung Song said, “Kia’s PBV business represents our vision of going beyond the traditional concept of automobiles by fulfilling the unmet needs of diverse customers and communities through optimized vehicles and services catering to specific market and business circumstances. Kia PBVs will be an enabler of business innovation thanks to our customer-centric management system, EV mass production expertise, and the Hyundai Motor Group’s rapidly developing SDx strategy and related future businesses. We are excited to show that we are fully prepared to become the first mover in the global PBV market.”
