All-new modular range
Kia has revealed its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) future strategy at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
The company’s PBV business will initially be based around the introduction of an all-new and modular vehicle, previewed by its Concept PV5.
This vision of the future was presented alongside a multi-phase plan that will see PBVs “revolutionise” the mobility industry while helping to advance Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitions in robotics, advanced air mobility and autonomous driving.
The PBVs are described as a “total mobility solution that combine fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software solutions” based on Hyundai’s software-to-everything (SDx) strategy.
“Our PBVs will be an enabler of business innovation thanks to our customer-centric management system, EV mass-production expertise, and Hyundai’s rapidly developing SDx strategy and related future businesses,” says Ho Sung Song, Kia’s president and CEO.
The launch of Kia’s PBV business will see the company commit to providing a varied range of customised vehicle types to meet buyers’ individual requirements.
Phase one of the company’s plan will see the introduction of the Kia PV5, a versatile EV optimised for major domains, such as hailing, delivery and utilities, and featuring conversion capability for diverse consumer needs.
Enhanced data connectivity between vehicles and external data, such as route or delivery information, will enable convenient operation of multiple vehicles as a software-defined fleet. This emergence of customised fleets and PBV-specific solutions means less downtime and enhanced cost-effectiveness.
Phase two will see the completion of a dedicated model line-up, and PBVs will evolve into AI-based mobility platforms that use data to interact with users and ensure vehicles are always up to date.
An integrated PBV solution will provide a customised, seamless experience across devices and software. Meanwhile, new forms of business linked with robotics and other future technologies will emerge.
In phase three, Kia PBVs will evolve into highly customisable, bespoke mobility solutions by integrating with the future mobility ecosystem. The company says connected self-driving vehicles will be managed as part of a single smart-city operating system.
