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Kia Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DHL Korea Ltd. to advance the sustainable logistics ecosystem through Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models. This strategic collaboration will integrate optimized PBV solutions, starting with the deployment of Kia’s PV5 model in 2026, aiming to innovate logistics operations while contributing to sustainability goals.
Key Highlights:
- Kia PV5 to debut in DHL Korea’s operations in 2026, with plans to expand the lineup to include the PV7 model in 2027.
- Kia will provide tailored PBV models optimized for DHL Korea’s logistics needs.
- The partnership supports DHL Korea’s goal of achieving 100% electrified mobility in logistics.
- Potential expansion of the partnership is planned for additional markets in Asia and Europe.
Kia is focused on enhancing PBV-related cooperation by working with various external partners, providing total mobility solutions for its customers. The PV5, a medium-sized PBV model, will be the first step in the partnership, followed by the large-sized PV7 model in 2027, enabling versatile logistics applications tailored to the needs of DHL Korea.
Under this collaboration, Kia will design custom PBV models by identifying specific features and configurations that meet DHL Korea’s operational requirements. This includes not only the vehicle itself but also services such as charging solutions and warranty coverage to support smooth business operations.
This PBV initiative is also aligned with DHL Korea’s electrification strategy, which aims to fully adopt electric mobility for its logistics fleet in the mid to long term. Furthermore, Kia plans to extend its PBV solutions beyond Korea, exploring collaboration in key markets across Asia and Europe.
“Kia plans to improve customer business productivity through supplying PBV models optimized for DHL Korea’s business and working as a partner that actively supports electrification to realize sustainable logistics transportation using PBVs,” said Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business Division at Kia.
During CES 2024, Kia showcased its PBV program as a pivotal future business that will lead innovation in the transportation sector, aiming to become a market leader by offering differentiated PBV solutions. The collaboration with DHL Korea serves as an example of Kia’s vision to redefine logistics and mobility.
This latest initiative follows Kia’s earlier agreement with Fujitsu, a prominent Japanese general trading company, in September. Kia aims to introduce PBV models, such as the PV5 and PV7, to the Japanese market beginning in 2026, demonstrating flexibility to accommodate market-specific needs. Similarly, at the IAA Transportation 2024 event in Hanover, Germany, Kia introduced its PBV concept models for the first time in Europe, signaling its commitment to becoming a global PBV market leader.
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