Kia: Bodywork replacement on a vehicle 🎥
TRANSPORTER OF THE FUTURE At CES 2024, Kia is presenting its new business strategy and several concept studies based on a new platform. The Hyundai Group brand's van models will completely reposition themselves in the future.
The fact that there were also van models under the Kia brand is still little known. They were sold in Europe under the model names Besta and Pregio and were regarded in their segment as inexpensive and unambitious alternatives. However, the Koreans have long since reinvented themselves and positioned themselves significantly higher. The commercial vehicles on a newly developed, all-electric platform called PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle), which Kia has now presented at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), are a perfect match.
Bodywork replacement on a vehicle
The PBV is not an ordinary vehicle platform. Rather, the Koreans want to open up previously unimagined possibilities for modularization with the beautifully designed PBV models. The electric chassis including cockpit remains, but the main body module is interchangeable and not welded. This means that one and the same vehicle can be used as a cab, a van or a large saloon, for example, by changing the bodywork. The mechanical and electromagnetic connections can be quickly detached and reattached. Kia intends to supply the bodies in the form of standardized kits.
Four variants planned for 2025
The first model on the new platform is called the PV 5 and will be launched on the market in four variants - as a basic passenger van, a van for freight, a high-roof version and a chassis with cab. The Robotaxi version, developed together with the supplier Aptiv, will be launched later. This model will be characterized by next-generation autonomous driving functions.
The PV 5 is to be launched in Korea in the course of next year. At the same time, the AI capabilities will be expanded. In a further step, the PV vans will become part of the mobile ecosystem of the future: highly equipped with apps from various providers, fleet management software and other AI elements.
Source: Car-Medienportal.net
