Otok Strengthens PBV Collaboration with Kia... Expanding Global Market Reach and Enhancing Future Mobility Competitiveness

by Jang Hyowon

Published 25 Mar.2026 13:48(KST)

Otok Strengthens PBV Collaboration with Kia... Expanding Global Market Reach and Enhancing Future Mobility Competitiveness

Otok, a leading Korean company specializing in special-purpose vehicles, is positioning its Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) business as a key pillar of future growth and is set to target the global market through collaboration with Kia.

On March 25, Otok announced that it will focus on strengthening its future mobility competitiveness by actively expanding its PBV conversion business, leveraging its strategic partnership with Kia.

PBVs are mobility platforms designed to customize vehicle structure and functions according to their intended use. Drawing on its accumulated technological expertise and experience in the field of special-purpose vehicle manufacturing, Otok plays a core role in Kia’s PBV ecosystem by integrating the entire process of designing PBV conversion models, developing parts, and production.

The two companies have steadily strengthened their partnership since signing a "PBV Conversion Model Contract Manufacturing Agreement" in May 2024. Notably, last year they established a dedicated PBV conversion center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, with an annual production capacity of up to 20,000 vehicles, thereby securing robust production and development infrastructure.

Kia plans to sequentially expand its PBV lineup, starting with mass production of the mid-sized 'PV5' model in the first half of 2026, followed by the large 'PV7' and the small 'PV1'. In line with this, Otok intends to supply customized conversion models optimized for various industries, including logistics, service, and healthcare, to meet global demand.

Through its partnership with Kia, Otok has set a target of achieving global PBV sales of 250,000 units by 2030. To that end, the company will continue to enhance its competitiveness in the conversion business and aims to establish a stable foundation for growth in the rapidly evolving future mobility market.

A company official stated, "The PBV business is a key driver for Otok’s mid-to-long-term growth. Based on our collaboration with Kia, we will position ourselves as a major partner in the global PBV ecosystem and continue to introduce differentiated conversion solutions."