"Kia to Develop PBVs for People with Limited Mobility, Partners with UK’s Motability"

Kia announced on the 4th that it will begin full-scale cooperation with Motability, the largest leasing company for people with disabilities in the United Kingdom.

On the 3rd, Kia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Motability at its headquarters in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, to expand the supply of PBVs (Purpose Built Vehicles) in the UK. Key participants at the event included Ho-sung Song, President of Kia, Kim Sangdae, Head of PBV Business Division, Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability, and Damian O'Ton, CCO, among others.

Motability serves approximately 860,000 customers and operates about 35,000 wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) and around 94,000 electric vehicles. The company is also engaged in various initiatives to improve mobility rights for people with disabilities, such as developing the eVITA, an electric vehicle concept model that accommodates wheelchair users.

(Photo from left) At the MOU signing ceremony held at Kia headquarters on the 3rd, Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability, and Ho-sung Song, President of Kia, pose for a commemorative photo. Courtesy of Kia

원본보기 아이콘

This business agreement is based on the shared commitment of both companies to enhance mobility for all customers, including wheelchair users, and to advance the automotive industry's transition to electrification. The companies are focusing on the potential of accessible design, and plan to proactively address the demand for electrified mobility for people with limited mobility by utilizing Kia's diverse PBV lineup, including the PV5 WAV.

The PV5 WAV features a universal design concept that is user-friendly for all occupants, including wheelchair users, family members, caregivers, and drivers; a side entry and exit system designed for the convenience of wheelchair users; a wheelchair belt restraint system and third-row tip-up seats to allow caregivers to assist wheelchair users; and a spacious interior with a structure that enables folding and storing wheelchairs in the trunk.

The PV5 WAV will be produced at the dedicated PBV plant, Hwaseong EVO Plant. Kia will supply Motability with both the base PV5 and the PV5 WAV models, and Motability plans to launch services utilizing these vehicles in the UK starting in 2026.

Through this agreement, Kia expects to secure leadership in the development of electrified WAVs, while Motability aims to set mid- to long-term electrification goals and create additional customer value.

During the collaboration, the two companies will work together on WAV development for each PBV model. In addition, they will continue to cooperate in areas such as developing smart charging solutions and next-generation energy management technologies. Both companies will collect various types of information related to the WAV market and use it to develop the WAV conversion model of Kia's upcoming large PBV, the PV7.

President Song stated, "The PV5 WAV is the best example of the potential of Kia's PBV technology to improve mobility rights and convenience for people with limited mobility. The signing of this MOU with Motability demonstrates Kia's commitment to leading a future where everyone can benefit from sustainable mobility."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.