Kia is partnering with Jeonnam-Gwangju to build a future mobility ecosystem leveraging PBVs (Purpose-Built Vehicles). In addition, Kia will invest 3 trillion won in AutoLand Gwangju to strengthen its competitiveness in future vehicle businesses, including electric vehicles.
On the 6th, Kia signed a "Memorandum of Understanding for Building a Future Mobility Industry Ecosystem Based on PBVs" at AutoLand Gwangju. The ceremony was attended by Song Ho-sung, President and CEO of Kia; Min Hyeong-bae, Mayor of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City; Lee Geun-bae, President of Chonnam National University; and Im Ki-cheol, President of the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST).
The goal is to lay the foundation for the growth of the regional future vehicle industry through collaboration on technology demonstration and commercialization of future mobility using PBVs. Specifically, the parties will explore cooperation in areas such as: △ developing dedicated vehicles for demand-responsive transport (DRT) based on PBVs; △ demonstrating PBV shuttle services integrated with autonomous driving technology; △ demonstrating remote driving technology based on the PV5 WAV to improve mobility convenience for people with reduced mobility; and △ demonstrating Easy Swap technology that allows vehicle usage to be converted according to purposes such as logistics and passenger transport. They will also develop cooperation plans to address the climate crisis and promote renewable energy.
Kia expects this agreement to strengthen the regional PBV industry foundation. Furthermore, it anticipates that the development and expansion of diverse future mobility services will provide a new growth driver for the regional future vehicle industry.
Meanwhile, Kia plans to invest approximately 3 trillion won in the transition to future vehicles centered on AutoLand Gwangju by 2029. Through this investment, Kia aims to build a production system based on future innovative manufacturing technologies and expand autonomous driving technology demonstrations and the production of electrified vehicles. This investment is part of Hyundai Motor Group's announcement last year to invest 125 trillion won domestically by 2030.
President Song stated, "This agreement will serve as an opportunity to promote the development and commercialization of PBV-based future mobility technologies." He added, "We will contribute to the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City emerging as a hub for the future mobility industry representing South Korea through the establishment of a future vehicle production system and the expansion of PBV business."
Kia is increasing sales of its first dedicated PBV, the "PV5," and plans to launch the large model "PV7" next year.
in INDUSTRY
