Kia enters into a business agreement with Japan's MK Holdings to expand PBV deployment in the Japanese market. It will begin supplying 54 PVs in 2026 and aims to supply a total of 1000 by 2030.
Kia has entered into a business agreement with Japan-based passenger transport company MK Holdings and announced plans to expand its purpose-built vehicle (PBV) business in Japan. The agreement covers initiatives related to the PBV business in Japan, with the 3 companies cooperating to expand deployment in the Japanese market and develop the necessary infrastructure.
MK Holdings operates mobility services, including taxis and sightseeing buses, in 8 cities such as Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya, and will use the agreement to establish a local PBV deployment structure. Its local subsidiary, PBVジャパン, will be responsible for building the sales and service network.
Under the supply plan, Kia aims to make an initial supply of 54 PVs to MK Holdings by the end of this year and supply a total of 1000 PBVs by 2030. The PV5 for the Japanese market will primarily use the CHAdeMO charging system and achieves a minimum turning radius of 5.5m while maintaining ample interior space.
To expand local deployment, Kia PBVジャパン, MK Holdings and Kia Motors PBVジャパン will cooperate to develop exhibition, sales and service infrastructure and build locally optimised solutions.