The Niro Plus, Kia's first "purpose-built vehicle," was unveiled. Kia is a provider of future-proof mobility solutions, and the company's PBV models are widely anticipated to play a significant role in the evolution of transportation in the years ahead.
The Kia Niro EV's first generation will be modified to meet the needs of modern car-sharing, and the Kia Niro Plus will be initially introduced as an electric taxi in Korea. Korea's first single-seater van, the Kia Ray Van, was introduced in February to meet the rising national demand for small cars for courier services, and this new car follows in its footsteps.
Kia is aiming to become the market leader in the PBV sector by 2030 and is already one of the industry's pioneers. In this regard, the company is working on a specialized platform for the mass production of PBVs in various sizes and forms to accommodate shifting market demands.
When the global PBV market matures in 2025, Kia will introduce its first PBV-specific model. The first dedicated PBV from the brand will have the same footprint as a midsize car and can be customized to meet various needs.
"Kia is changing its business strategy to focus on the deployment of electric cars and the introduction of new mobility products tailored to the needs of users worldwide," said Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia's e-LCV Business Division. Niro Plus is our inaugural offering in the rapidly expanding PBV market.