Kia Celebrates New Era with the Launch of Innovative PBV Production Hub in Korea
Kia Corporation marked a pivotal milestone in its journey towards the future of mobility with the completion ceremony of its newly established Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) production facilities. On November 14, 2025, the grand event at AutoLand Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, attracted around 200 distinguished guests. Among them were significant figures such as Korean Prime Minister Min-seok Kim, Vice Minister of Trade Industry and Resources Shinhak Moon, and local officials including Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim and Mayor of Hwaseong Myeong-geun Jeong.
The ceremony heralded not just the completion of the EVO Plant East but also celebrated the groundbreaking for the EVO Plant West, both integral components of Kia's second largest production capacity dedicated to PBVs. This ambitious project sees Kia investing approximately KRW 4 trillion over a vast area of around 296,882 square meters, aiming for an impressive annual production capacity of 250,000 PBV units. The strategic layout will enable the plant to produce 100,000 units of the PV5 model annually in the East plant, while the West plant targets up to 150,000 PBV units, including the PV7 model.
As part of the Kia's innovative vision, they are establishing a centralized production base in Korea. This encompasses the launch of a PBV Conversion Center, aimed at co-developing specialized PBV models in collaboration with strategic partners. This initiative strives to foster a cooperative ecosystem around PBVs, positioning the company as a leader in this burgeoning market segment.
In his congratulatory address, Prime Minister Kim emphasized the importance of innovation in the automotive industry and expressed excitement about the prospects of future mobility advancements such as electrification and autonomous driving. He stated, "We will usher in a new era of innovation in future mobility together with the automotive industry, embracing new challenges including electrification, autonomous driving, and AI."
Kia's President and Global CEO, Ho Sung Song, spoke about the company's commitment to electrifying light commercial vehicles to capitalize on the growing demand for PBVs. He stated, "Kia is dedicated to becoming a trusted partner in building a better future for both Korea and humanity as a whole." This reflects Kia's intention to not only stay ahead in technological advancements but also maintain a sustainable approach as they navigate future market challenges.
The establishment of the PBV production hub is a testament to Kia's strategic plans to enhance its global footprint in this sector. With the expected beginning of operations at the EVO Plant West in 2027, Kia is poised to streamline its production and enhance efficiency in developing eco-friendly vehicle platforms that adapt to the evolving needs of consumers.
As Kia looks towards the future, it remains committed to pioneering advancements that align with the trends of electrification and automated driving, ensuring it thrives at the forefront of the automotive industry.
For additional insights and developments, Kia encourages interested parties to visit their Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com, which serves as a hub for the latest announcements and information surrounding the company and its projects. Kia’s investments and strategic initiatives underscore its dedication to achieving excellence in the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive technology and sustainable mobility.