Kia has announced its plans to introduce a new type of electric vehicle, the PBV (Purpose Built Vehicle), in Japan. According to Al-Jabr Commercial, Kia’s agent in Saudi Arabia, sales are set to commence in early 2026. The company stated that this move is significant for its global PBV strategy and showcased its new models at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Kia will launch its first model in this segment, specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of customers in Japan. Through a strategic partnership with Sojitz, Kia aims to create a comprehensive PBV ecosystem, with Sojitz acting as the distributor for Kia in Japan.
Senior Vice President Sang-Dae Kim expressed that they are looking forward to starting sales of these vehicles and aim to offer a variety of customer-focused PBV solutions tailored to the Japanese market.
Kia's PBV vehicles will incorporate advanced software solutions and customizable specifications, providing businesses with improved cost competitiveness and greater flexibility. To support this initiative, Kia is building an EVO factory in Korea dedicated to manufacturing electric PBVs.
