There are awards whose results are easily predictable. If a product has unparalleled competitiveness, prediction becomes easy.
The Kia PV5 (The Kia PV5, hereinafter PV5) won the prestigious "2026 International Van of the Year" awarded by a global panel of journalists in the light commercial vehicle industry. It is the first time a Korean brand has won the "International Van of the Year".
Kia said on Nov. 19 (local time) that the PV5 won the "2026 International Van of the Year" at Solutrans, the world commercial vehicle show held in Lyon, France. The company said the award was decided unanimously by all 26 jurors. Solutrans is a world commercial vehicle show where major global automakers, parts suppliers and logistics solution corporations participate to present the future direction of the commercial vehicle industry. It is held at the Eurexpo exhibition center in Lyon, France, from Nov. 18 to 22, and Kia showcased various PV5-based derivative models at the show, including the PV5 chassis cab, cargo and crew.
The Kia PV5 made new history as the first Korean brand and the first Asian electric light commercial vehicle to win the International Van of the Year in its 34-year history. In a light commercial vehicle market centered on European brands, the Kia PV5 captured the most influential award in the world.
Starting with the EV6 GT winning the "World Performance Car" in 2023, Kia saw the EV9 win "World Car of the Year" and "World Electric Vehicle" in 2024, and the EV3 win "World Car of the Year" in 2025; with the PV5 winning International Van of the Year, Kia has been recognized for four consecutive years on the world stage for its leadership in electrified mobility.
Kia president Song Ho-sung said, "Kia has long striven to lead EV innovation, and the PV5 is a model that extends that commitment into the commercial vehicle domain," noting, "Especially because the PV5 is the result of manufacturing innovation, such as the combined production system of 'conveyor·cell' that enables multi-model flexible production, this award is even more meaningful." He added, "PV5 being selected as the 'International Van of the Year' at its debut proves that Kia is redefining standards in the global light commercial vehicle market and will open a smart and sustainable mobility future for business customers worldwide."
The International Van of the Year is the most prestigious award in the light commercial vehicle industry, organized and selected by IVOTY (International Van of the Year), a nonprofit body composed of global light commercial vehicle specialist journalists from various European countries. It has continued for 34 years since 1992 and awards the vehicle that represents the most innovative value among light commercial vehicles launched in the given year.
The 2026 International Van of the Year was selected after the jury evaluated seven finalist vehicles — chosen from light commercial vehicles that began sales in more than 12 countries this year — through test drives, comprehensively assessing technological innovation, efficiency, safety, environmental performance and sustainability.
This award is analyzed as the result of Kia's DNA, which values the practicality inherited from the Bongo and the space utilization and functionality of the Carnival, being reflected in a future-oriented way in the PV5.
The PV5 was selected as the 2026 International Van of the Year, beating strong competitor models in the global light commercial vehicle market that were finalists, including the Ford E-Transit Courier, Ford E-Transit, Ford Transit Connect PHEV, Volkswagen Crafter, Volkswagen Transporter/E-Transporter and Parizon SV.
Jarlath Sweeney, chairperson of IVOTY, praised, "The Kia PV5 impressed the jury with its excellent performance, efficient electric platform and user-centered design," adding, "In particular, the unanimous selection by all 26 jurors proves that the PV5 is a new benchmark for practical innovation in the electric commercial vehicle market."
The PV5 is Kia's first dedicated electrified PBV model and is a new-concept mid-size PBV integrating hardware developed to meet diverse customer needs and software solutions that support optimal business environments, based on the PBV-dedicated electrified platform E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service).
E-GMP.S was developed to implement product competitiveness optimized for PBVs based on the superior electrification technology of the electric vehicle-dedicated platform E-GMP. It features a flat floor, spacious interior and cargo space, and a structure that makes it easy to mount various upper bodies, enabling flexible lineup expansion.
The PV5 boasts high technological innovation in that it is a customer-centered PBV designed to respond to various forms of mobility utilization demanded by customers, moving away from the traditional manufacturer-centered production and sales model. In addition, the wide cargo space and flexible interior structure based on the electric platform demonstrate space efficiency optimized for customer business environments.
In addition, it secured high safety through the front multi-frame structure, battery protection design, expanded application of ultra-high-tensile steel, advanced safety specifications and pedal misapplication safety assist. The design also stands out for considering environmental performance and sustainability, minimizing unnecessary parts and resource waste during the conversion process and applying various sustainable materials.
Kia has launched the PV5 cargo long and passenger models in the domestic market and plans to add various new models from 2026, including open bed, cargo compact and cargo high roof.
Kia recently completed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hwaseong EVO Plant West and plans to sequentially mass-produce larger-class PBVs such as the PV7 from 2027 to expand Kia's PBV ecosystem.
To celebrate the award and repay customers' love for the PV5, Kia will hold the "2026 International Van of the Year award commemorative PV5 purchase review event," offering various prizes. The event is open to customers who take delivery of a PV5 before Dec. 19, 2025, and generous prizes, including PV5-specific accessories from Kia Shop (Kia Shop), will be provided to outstanding review authors selected by lottery.
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