Kia has decided to apply Samsung Electronics' Internet of Things (IoT) to purpose-built vehicles (PBV) for business customers.
On the 24th (local time), Kia and Samsung Electronics signed a strategic business agreement for B2B cooperation based on Kia PBV-Samsung Electronics IoT solutions at the Tarako Arena in Tarragona, Spain, where the '2025 Kia EV Day' was held. The signing ceremony was attended by Kim Sang-dae, vice president of Kia's PBV Business Division, and Park Chan-woo, vice president of Samsung Electronics' B2B Integrated Offering Center.
PBV is a vehicle that shares a basic platform while applying different appearances and functions according to its intended use. According to this agreement, Samsung Electronics' AI B2B (business-to-business) solution, 'SmartThings Pro', will be integrated into Kia's PBV. This will allow the consolidation of the PBV for B2B customers with external business spaces, enabling automated control.
Business operators using Kia's PBV can set up their required operating environment through SmartThings Pro based on the situation. Execution results can be checked using the 'IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment)' system of the PBV and Samsung Electronics' tablets.
For example, small business customers managing multiple unmanned stores such as cafes or coin laundries can input their destination on the PBV IVI, and depending on the set environment, they can activate electronics before arriving at their store using 'commuting mode'. They will also receive a list of necessary tasks, such as inventory status or filter replacement, allowing them to prepare for business without employees.
After business hours, they can execute 'quitting mode' to drive home in a PBV with the climate control activated in advance, ensuring that the power to internal devices in the store is turned off, and energy saving and security management are carried out automatically. They will also receive real-time notifications regarding unusual behavior detected by cameras or various emergency situations such as device malfunctions.
For small business owners operating guesthouses, executing 'unmanned operating mode' will allow them to perform various tasks such as checking in and out guests, opening room doors, controlling devices, and optimizing climate control from the driving PBV. By executing the 'shuttle mode' to support guest movement, they can check the charge status before departure and receive recommendations for the ideal indoor temperature and optimal route according to the weather.
Kia and Samsung Electronics also agreed to collaborate to create a wireless control 'Plug & Play' environment inside the PBV. Through this, customers can easily integrate and control various sensors, lighting, and personal IoT devices using IVI and tablets within the PBV.
The two companies also aligned their intentions to develop IoT product lines tailored to PBV and bundled products tailored to the needs of B2B businesses and to continuously discover new business models.
Kim Sang-dae, vice president of Kia, expressed expectation that, "Through this collaboration, business customers will extend their vehicle usage experience to the IoT ecosystem outside the PBV and gain opportunities to discover new customer value."
Park Chan-woo, vice president of Samsung Electronics, noted, "SmartThings Pro is Samsung Electronics' AI IoT solution for B2B," adding, "Through this agreement, an integrated management service for stores and vehicles optimized for small business owners will become possible."