Kia Corporation, a South Korean automaker and part of Hyundai Motor Group, has recently announced a significant agreement with DHL Korea Ltd, the local unit of global logistics giant DHL. The agreement involves the supply of battery-powered delivery vans based on Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) platform. This partnership marks a strategic move by Kia to establish a sustainable logistics ecosystem for last-mile deliveries.
Kia is currently constructing a plant in South Korea’s Gyeonggi province to produce battery-powered PBVs starting in 2026. The facility will have an initial production capacity of 150,000 PBVs per year and will incorporate eco-friendly and next-generation manufacturing technologies, including Hyundai Motor Group’s E-Forest digital manufacturing systems and cellular manufacturing.
As per the agreement, Kia will develop PBVs specifically tailored to meet DHL Korea’s business requirements. The first model, the medium-sized PV5, is scheduled to enter production in 2026, followed by the larger PV7 in 2027. These PBVs will play a crucial role in enhancing customer business productivity and supporting electrification for sustainable logistics transportation.
Kia aims to expand its PBV-related cooperation with various external partners to provide total mobility solutions for customers. The company also plans to extend its collaboration with PBV partners to other markets, including Asia and Europe. This strategic move aligns with Kia’s vision to optimize operations and actively promote sustainable transportation solutions using PBVs.
Won-Jeong Jeong, Kia’s executive vice president and head of the Korea Business Division, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting electrification and sustainable logistics transportation. Kia’s PBV models are designed to meet the specific operational needs of DHL Korea and contribute to a more efficient and environmentally friendly logistics ecosystem.
The PBV concept introduced by Kia represents a range of electric vans with diverse applications for personal and business use. These vehicles leverage commercial vehicle engineering and advanced software solutions to offer flexibility in configuration, catering to different profiles, layouts, and interior requirements. The PBV Concept by Kia transcends conventional standards of modern commercial vehicles, providing advanced mobility solutions for various use cases.
In conclusion, Kia’s partnership with DHL Korea underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable transportation solutions and the development of innovative electric vehicles. By leveraging its PBV platform and collaborating with key logistics partners, Kia is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market and contribute to a more sustainable future in the transportation industry.
