Summary
- Kia will develop specific PBVs for the Japanese market, starting with the PV5 in 2026
- Kia is partnering with Sojitz Corporation for PBV distribution in Japan
- The PV5 is being developed as a mid-size model to meet various business needs in Japan
- Kia plans to create a PBV ecosystem through partnerships with local companies
- Kia is building a new state-of-the-art ‘EVO Plant’ to meet global demand for its PBVs
Article
Kia Corporation has announced that it will start selling its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models in Japan in early 2026, marking its entry into the Japanese market. The expansion into Japan is a significant step in Kia’s global PBV strategy, following presentations of PBV concept models and business ecosystems at various international events. Kia plans to develop a range of PBVs tailored to meet the specific needs of Japanese customers, with the first model, the PV5, set to launch in 2026. The PV5 will be a mid-size model designed to accommodate various business streams in the Japanese market.
In addition to the PV5, Kia also intends to introduce the PV7 and further PBV models and variants in Japan, aiming to create a comprehensive PBV ecosystem through partnerships with local companies. The goal is to provide customer-centered value and meet the demands of Japanese customers effectively. By leveraging Hyundai Motor Group’s software-defined everything strategy, Kia’s PBVs will offer advanced software solutions and customizability for factors such as seating layout, luggage compartment shape, door options, and battery capacity. This approach enables businesses to enhance cost-competitiveness and deliver tailored solutions to customers.
To facilitate the distribution and sales of its PBVs in Japan, Kia has formed a strategic partnership with Sojitz Corporation, a Japanese trading company with a global presence in transportation and infrastructure. Sojitz will serve as the distributor for Kia PBVs in Japan, leveraging its expertise in various business sectors. Before launching PBV sales in Japan in 2026, Kia plans to showcase its PBV models and business ecosystem at mobility shows and provide customers with offline opportunities to experience the technology firsthand. Kia is also building a new PBV EV-dedicated manufacturing facility called the EVO Plant in Korea to meet the growing global demand for its PBVs.
Overall, Kia’s entry into the Japanese PBV market represents a significant milestone in the company’s global strategy to offer innovative mobility solutions tailored to specific market needs. By introducing a range of PBV models and partnering with local companies like Sojitz Corporation, Kia aims to deliver customer-centered value and redefine the concept of space in the automotive industry. With a focus on customization, advanced software solutions, and strategic partnerships, Kia is well-positioned to establish a strong presence in the Japanese PBV market and drive the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions.
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