Kia is taking steps to establish a purpose-built mobility (PBV) ecosystem in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province.
On November 6, Kia announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Gwangju Auto Land to create a future mobility industry ecosystem centered around PBVs.
The agreement aims to lay the groundwork for the growth of the local future vehicle industry through collaboration on PBV technology testing and commercialization.
Specifically, the partnership will explore several initiatives, including the development of demand-responsive transport (DRT) vehicles based on PBVs, testing of autonomous PBV shuttle services, remote driving technology for the PBV WAV to enhance mobility for the transportation disadvantaged, and the Easy Swap technology that allows vehicles to be repurposed for logistics and passenger transport.
Additionally, Kia plans to invest approximately 3 trillion won in the Gwangju Auto Land area by 2029 to facilitate the transition to future vehicles. This investment will help establish a production system based on innovative manufacturing technologies and expand testing of autonomous driving technologies and electric vehicle production.
Kia President Song Ho-sung stated, "This will serve as an opportunity to accelerate the development and commercialization of PBV-based future mobility technologies. We aim to contribute to making Gwangju a leading hub for the future mobility industry in South Korea through the establishment of a production system and expansion of PBV operations."
Meanwhile, Kia plans to introduce the large PBV, PV7, in South Korea and Europe in the second half of next year, following the launch of the PV5 last year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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