Kia Middle East and Africa is gearing up to redefine the roads of the Middle East and Africa with the launch of its ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ (PBV) business in 2026. This innovative venture goes beyond the realm of traditional cars, merging tailor-made electric vehicles (EVs) with cutting-edge software technology.
The grand unveiling of this futuristic mobility solution took place on February 20th and 21st, 2024, at the picturesque Banyan Tree on Bluewaters Island, Dubai. The event saw an assembly of media, government representatives, fleet customers, and business magnates from across the region, all eager to witness Kia’s bold leap into the future of mobility.
PBVs are Kia’s brainchild, showcasing the company’s ambition to evolve into a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider. These vehicles are more than just cars; they are a fusion of purpose-built EVs and advanced software, designed to revolutionize business models and lifestyles. The focus is on redefining the concept of space with flexible, adaptable interiors, offering unparalleled freedom and versatility.
Tailor-made for the MEA fleet vehicle segment, Kia’s PBV model is set to tackle the region’s unique market and business challenges. It promises to deliver mobility solutions that are a perfect fit for the diverse needs of the region, addressing the current limitations of transportation options and homogeneous product offerings.
SooHang Chang, President of Kia Middle East & Africa, shared his insights: “Launching the PBV in the Middle East and Africa marks our commitment to pioneering innovative mobility solutions. Our goal is to offer vehicles that are not only customizable and modular but also intuitive and straightforward, catering to a wide range of business and personal needs.”
Kia’s PBVs are all about simplifying user journeys. Thanks to the ‘Easy Swap’ technology, these vehicles can seamlessly transition from a daytime taxi to a nighttime delivery van, utilizing interchangeable modules to meet various mobility needs. The ‘Dynamic Hybrid’ body structure allows for further customization, ensuring each vehicle serves its intended purpose effectively.
The PBV journey unfolds in three phases. Phase one introduces the versatile Kia PV5, an EV designed for domains like hailing, delivery, and utilities. Phase two completes the dedicated PBV lineup, transforming these vehicles into AI-powered mobility platforms that evolve with user data. The final phase sees the PBVs becoming highly customizable mobility vehicles, integrating into the future mobility ecosystem and fostering an automated environment for driving, advanced air mobility, and more.
Kia’s innovative approach is not just a step but a giant leap in the region’s mobility landscape, promising a future where transportation is not just about getting from A to B, but about experiencing freedom, flexibility, and the thrill of innovation.
