New Delhi, February 14, 2024 – Kia India has officially rolled out 71 custom-designed Carens to the Punjab Police, marking a significant milestone in the Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) arena. This delivery follows the Carens’ spotlight moment at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, where Kia flexed its innovation muscle in the PBV segment for the first time.
Dubbed as the new “Emergency Response Vehicles” (ERVs), these specially outfitted Carens are set to turbocharge the Punjab Police’s ability to respond to emergencies with speed, style, and a suite of high-tech features. Kia’s leap into the PBV sector is not just about filling a market gap; it’s about redefining the way specialized institutions, like the police force, hit the road in India.
The selection of the Kia Carens by the Punjab Police wasn’t just a shot in the dark. Thanks to its cutting-edge tech, connectivity features, expansive wheelbase, and third-row seating luxury, the Carens emerged as the top pick. Under the hood, these police cruisers pack a Smartstream 1.5 Petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, custom-built to chase down the bad guys without breaking a sweat.
But it’s not all about the chase. These PBVs come equipped with high-intensity strobe lights, public address systems, and emergency decals that scream “Dial 112” from miles away. Plus, with a beefed-up 60Ah battery, the Carens can power all its gadgets while still offering a spacious cabin that’s more comfortable than the backseat of a standard squad car.
The interiors are nothing short of a command center on wheels, featuring a 60:40 split in the second row, a 55:50 split in the third, and a plethora of charging ports to keep all devices juiced up. And with safety as a top priority, these vehicles boast a high-strength steel structure, all-wheel disc brakes, and an array of other modern safety technologies.
Myung-sik Sohn, Kia India’s Chief Sales and Business Officer, couldn’t hide his excitement about this partnership, noting that PBVs like the Carens represent the “future of mobility” with their tailor-made features for specific needs. Kia’s collaboration with the Punjab Police is not just about delivering cars; it’s about steering towards a future where every vehicle is as unique as its mission.
As Kia continues to drive forward with its vision for the global PBV segment, the delivery of these 71 Carens to the Punjab Police is more than just a transaction. It’s a statement that Kia is ready to lead the charge into a future where vehicles are more than just a means of transportation; they’re purpose-built partners in crime-fighting (and prevention). With the Carens, Punjab Police’s fleet just got a high-tech upgrade that’s bound to make both officers and civilians feel a whole lot safer.
