Build PBV Factory, Kia: All Business Transformation Necessary

Taxi Kia. (Photo: Doc. Autoevolution)

JAKARTA - A South Korean automotive manufacturer, Kia, sees the need for vehicles specially made to increase, for this reason, an innovation is present to build a battery-electric vehicle (PBV) factory.

The plan to build a second factory for the electric vehicle segment was carried out some time ago, and is now in the advanced stage, namely talks on wages with unions, quoted from the Electrek website, Sunday, October 15.

According to one source, the transformation of the entire business is needed which will make Kia the leading brand for the new segment that has started by several manufacturers, such as Ford, General Motors, and Rivian.

This means that Kia will not only sell electric cars but also new services such as electric vehicles made specifically, car sharing, and car booking services that are indeed on market demand.

Earlier in April 2023, Kia began construction of its first PBV factory. This South Korean brand has a planned production of 150 thousand units annually, and begins in the second half of 2025.

The company's first electric vehicle, codenamed SW, will launch in 2025.

Kia says medium-sized PBVs will be based on a new special platform for custom-made electric vehicles.

According to the manufacturer, the electric SW model will support various shipments of goods with spacious interiors, as well as optimized loading structures and will target for business to business (B2B).

After that, Kia plans to expand to large PBV which will be used for delivery of fresh food, logistics, and stores. Later it will be built at the second PBV plant which will start in 2028.

This news is certainly a breath of fresh air, meaning that there will be more attractive choices apart from some well-known brands who have taken steps first.