Kia will target Japan's electric van market with the PV5, a purpose-built vehicle (PBV).
Kia on the 29th (local time) unveiled the PV5 at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show held at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan, making its entry into the electric van market official. A Kia official said, "We expected demand for electric vans to increase in line with the Japanese government's policy to convert up to 30% of new-car sales to EVs by 2030."
The PV5, based on the PBV-dedicated platform E-GMP.S, features a spacious interior and dedicated software solutions. With a length of 4,695 mm and a width of 1,895 mm, it secures a turning radius of 5.5 m, making efficient operation possible even on Japan's narrow roads, according to Kia.
Kia applied a flexible body system to the PV5. This system modularizes major components such as the body. It allows vehicles to be designed to meet customer needs.
Starting next year, Kia plans to introduce two models in Japan, the PV5 Passenger and the Cargo. After that, it will expand the lineup to the PV5 WAV and, in 2027, launch the successor model, the PV7.
To enter the Japanese market, Kia established Kia PBV Japan in partnership with Sojitz, a Japanese general trading company. Sojitz, which has intercorporate distribution networks not only in automobiles but also in areas such as energy metals, plans to leverage its local networks to provide stable end-to-end services across sales, service, and operations.
In its first year in Japan next year, Kia plans to begin by establishing eight dealers and 100 service centers and then expand its sales and service network across the country.