Kia Middle East and Africa unveils ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ business, redefining the future of mobility in the MEA Region
- Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business will combine fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software technology, going beyond traditional automobiles.
- PBV is set to be available in the MEA region from 2026.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, March 2024: Kia MEA announced the introduction of its revolutionary ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ (PBV) model in the MEA region.
Celebrating the announcement, Kia is hosted an event to introduce the modular vehicles on February 20th and 21st, 2024.
The guests included media representatives, fleet customers, and business owners from key markets across the region, all to witness the unveiling of Kia’s latest total mobility solution.
Kia’s PBVs represent the brand’s vision to be a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider beyond the traditional concept of automobiles. As such, PBVs are a powerful combination of fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software technology designed to open the door to new businesses and lifestyles – by reimagining the concept of space thanks to advanced, tailored interiors that provide flexibility and freedom.
The newly established model aims to address the unmet requirements of a diverse customer base within the MEA fleet vehicle segment. It will provide tailored mobility solutions optimized for the region’s specific market and business conditions, helping to overcome challenges related to limited transportation options and one-dimensional product offerings that currently exist.
Abdullah Allam, Product Manager at NMC Kia, commented: “The introduction of Kia’s PBV highlights the brand’s commitment for innovative mobility solutions, which is exactly what the Saudi Arabian mobility market is looking to adapt. We are looking forward to the next step in these Sustainable Mobility practices and look forward in having it implemented in our Saudi Market.”
Simplifying user journeys: Kia PBVs
Utilizing ‘Easy Swap’ technology to flexibly address the diverse demands of customers, a single vehicle chassis can be utilized to fulfill multiple mobility needs. The PBV can operate as a taxi during the day to a delivery van at night with the integration of a variety of interchangeable upper bodies or life modules. Further customization is possible with the PBVs ‘Dynamic Hybrid’ weldless body structure assembly, which permits adjustments according to the required vehicle purpose.
The brand has plotted three distinct phases that make the Kia PBV roadmap to offer tailored solutions according to customer usage patterns. Phase one will oversee the introduction of Kia PV5, a versatile EV for major domains such as hailing, delivery, and utilities. Phase two will see the completion of the dedicated PBV line-up, with PBVs evolving into AI mobility platforms that interact with users using data, consequently ensuring vehicles are always up to date. Finally, phase three will oversee Kia PBVs evolving into highly customizable, bespoke mobility vehicles that integrate the future mobility ecosystem; this will lead to the nurturing and thriving of an automated environment for driving, advanced air mobility, and more.
