Latest news with #PBV
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Leading the Charge: Kia Unveils Bold Vision for the Future of Mobility
LONDON, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia continues to set the pace in the era of e-mobility, pioneering the world's first public trial of a Battery Passport and developing accessible transport with cutting-edge light commercial vehicles. Kia used its platform at the three-day Future of the Car Summit to spark industry-defining conversations—and showcase a tech-forward vision that places innovation, inclusivity and sustainability at the heart of the EV revolution. With a rapidly growing portfolio of award-winning electric vehicles (EVs) and an ambitious approach to smart mobility, Kia is emerging as a serious force in the next generation of sustainable transport. At the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit in London, two of Kia's leading voices—Pierre-Martin Bos, Director PBV, and Jens Brech, Director of Ownership Experience—shared insights into the brand's transformative strategy and future-facing product innovations. The arrival of the PV5, Kia's first Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), and the trial of the Battery Passport are just two examples of the bold strides Kia is taking towards more sustainable, connected and inclusive mobility. In the discussion "Accessible Vehicle Design and Transitioning to EV", Bos outlined the collaboration with Motability Operations to develop a wheelchair-accessible variant (WAV) of the PV5 – to support wheelchair users and their families, caregivers and drivers. "The PV5 offers groundbreaking flexibility and versatility, and adapting it for greater accessibility enables more freedom of movement for everyone involved in the journey," said Bos. The PV5 has the flexibility to cater to ride-hailing, last-mile delivery, trades, families and camper vans. It's just one way Kia is thinking beyond traditional vehicle categories. This innovation and leadership also extends to battery technology. In the panel "What's Next for the EV Battery Market?", Brech introduced Kia's Battery Passport, a digital-first solution that tracks and analyses EV batteries at the cellular level. "As a first mover in this space, Kia has launched the world's first public trial of the Battery Passport," said Brech. "The trial vehicle is capable of monitoring live data for each battery cell and uploading it to a digital passport. This close analysis will help extend battery life, reduce long-term costs and build greater customer trust in EV batteries." Organised by the Financial Times, the Future of the Car Summit is widely regarded as one of the most influential events in the global automotive calendar. The summit convenes industry giants, innovators and policymakers for three days of dialogue aimed at shaping the future of transport, accelerating sustainable transformation and addressing some of the industry's most urgent challenges. Kia's presence at this prestigious forum is a clear signal: with innovative technology, accessibility and sustainability, the brand confirms its positioning as a progressive mobility solutions provider. Contact:Christian Fiege, +49 69 850 028 100, pr@ Kia UK: pressoffice@ Photo - - View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Engadget
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Engadget
Kia debuts the PV5 WAV, a wheelchair-ready electric van
Kia has introduced a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) iteration of its first electric van. The PV5 WAV offers several accessibility features, such as a side-entry system so a wheelchair user can board the van from the sidewalk, and a quick-use entry ramp rated for 300kg (661 lbs). It's equipped with a tip-up seat in the third row so other riders can assist a wheelchair passenger from the side. The PV5 WAV also has a wheelchair-specific belt fastening system. The brand collaborated with Motability Operations on the debut of the PV5 WAV. Motability Operations is a long-term partner of the UK's vehicle leasing plan that helps people with disabilities to have an accessible mode of transportation. "By integrating cutting-edge Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) technology with thoughtful design, we are paving the way for a future where everyone can enjoy the benefits of sustainable mobility, and our partnership with Motability Operations is a testament to our commitment to making this vision a reality," Sangdae Kim, executive vice president and head of Kia's PBV Division, said. The PBV tech has been the foundation for a few of Kia's new vehicle announcements over the past year, including at CES 2024 . The standard model of the PV5, Kia's first electric van, recently began pre-orders in the UK. Kia hasn't shared pricing information yet about the WAV model, but the non-WAV version retails starting at £32,995 (about $44,000).

Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
VA report: No environmental review needed for new Bakersfield clinic
An environmental impact report for a long-awaited veterans clinic in Bakersfield may not be needed following a finding from the Department of Veterans Affairs. "VA concludes that implementing the Proposed Action would not have a significant adverse impact on the quality of the natural or human environment, the report said. "Therefore, preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required." The proposed action is the construction of a new VA outpatient clinic in Bakersfield, one that's been planned — and held up in court — for years. Congress approved the clinic in 2009 but construction on the new facility has been frustrated by a series of legal filings by a group called Progress for Bakersfield Veterans, LLC, or PBV. Since 2018, PBV has filed a series of complaints alleging violations of the California Environmental Quality Act and other regulations. PBV is a subsidiary of Beverly Hills-based Cardinal Equities Group, which owns the building housing the existing clinic on Westwind Drive. Critics have accused PBV of filing frivolous lawsuits in order to prolong the current clinic's tenure at its aging building. Because the terms of the lease are expired, PBV can raise the rent on the building every six months. The Californian reported last year the VA was paying more than $400,000 a month to lease the current clinic location. "We are paying millions of dollars to somebody that doesn't even care for the rental of the current clinic. We are dumping tons of money, monthly," said Rick Knight, a 77-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran who uses the clinic. Knight said he'd heard supposedly good news about the clinic before, only to see PBV file a lawsuit to stop progress. "I am a pro-VA advocate to get us a clinic built and get away from this snake that is out to strike us and poison us again," Knight said. Casey Schaubschlager, a social worker with the Wounded Heroes Fund, called the VA's finding "one more hoop jumped." "That being said, this project has been over a decade since the approval, but with the current court process going on, who knows how the lawsuit will go on, or how long," Schaubschlager said. The VA did not immediately respond to request for comment Thursday. U.S. Reps. Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, and David Valadao, R-Hanford, both praised the news, saying the clinic was too long delayed. "My office is working closely with the House Veterans Affairs Committee and in contact with the Veterans Affairs Department to find ways to remove the frivolous legal hurdles that have stifled this project well beyond its expected completion date," Fong said in an email Thursday. "Our veterans deserve to receive the best possible care, and I will continue to fight to deliver the services our nation's heroes have rightfully and dutifully earned," he said. Valadao said the clinic is a topic priority. "After years of delays and frivolous lawsuits, the release of the no significant impact report for the Bakersfield VA clinic is a welcome update,' Valadao said. 'This project has always been one of my top priorities, and I'll continue working closely with the VA to ensure we are doing everything we can to construct the new clinic valley veterans deserve.'


Al Bawaba
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play
Kia Corporation and LG Electronics today announced a partnership to collaborate on the implementation of mobility space solutions based on PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) technology. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Kia pavilion at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, and unveiled concept models for mobile work and recreational spaces that incorporate advanced home appliances into Kia's MOU signing ceremony was attended by Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business Division at Kia, and Lyu Jae-cheol, president of the LG Home Appliance Solution agreement brings together Kia's PBV technology and LG's expertise in AI solutions. The companies aim to offer customized space experiences for users, tailored to different lifestyles and work needs, by integrating advanced home appliances into PBVs. This will enable users to transform the vehicle into a personalized office, studio, lounge, etc.'By offering mobility space solutions that combine automobiles with home appliances, we aim to lead a transformative shift in customers' lifestyles,' said Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business Division at Kia. 'This partnership with LG Electronics advances the core value of PBVs, contributing to a new mobility paradigm where vehicles evolve into personalized spaces for living and working.'PV5 Spielraum conceptsKia and LG are showcasing two PV5 Spielraum concept models at the Kia pavilion during the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held from April 4 to 13. The word 'Spielraum' – German for 'play space' – reflects the concept of flexible mobility Studio concept: The Spielraum Studio concept is aimed at solo entrepreneurs who travel frequently, requiring both workspace and storage. It features LG's AI-powered home appliances, such as its modular Stylers[i], smart mirrors, and coffee machines, which are integrated to optimize the PV5's interior. The AI system can monitor the user's business schedule, calculate the remaining travel time to the destination, and recommend appliance settings Glow cabin concept: The Spielraum Glow cabin concept is designed to cater to the growing demand for car picnic experiences. It includes appliances such as refrigerators, lightwave ovens, and wine cellars, seamlessly supporting a wide range of outdoor leisure activities. Each appliance has MoodUP™ panels[ii] that adjust color based on the user's preferences, providing a unique two companies are working together to bring the concept models to market in the second half of 2026. With this agreement as a starting point, they also plan to cooperate in developing advanced home appliances and AI solutions that can streamline and enhance everyday tasks. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (


Zawya
08-04-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Kia and LG Electronics partner to showcase new PBV concepts for work and play
The PV5 Spielraum Studio concept for mobile work and the PV5 Spielraum Glow cabin concept for outdoor activities debut at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show Kia and LG are collaborating to launch the concept models in the second half of 2026 Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Kia Corporation and LG Electronics today announced a partnership to collaborate on the implementation of mobility space solutions based on PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) technology. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Kia pavilion at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, and unveiled concept models for mobile work and recreational spaces that incorporate advanced home appliances into Kia's PBVs. The MOU signing ceremony was attended by Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business Division at Kia, and Lyu Jae-cheol, president of the LG Home Appliance Solution Company. The agreement brings together Kia's PBV technology and LG's expertise in AI solutions. The companies aim to offer customized space experiences for users, tailored to different lifestyles and work needs, by integrating advanced home appliances into PBVs. This will enable users to transform the vehicle into a personalized office, studio, lounge, etc. 'By offering mobility space solutions that combine automobiles with home appliances, we aim to lead a transformative shift in customers' lifestyles,' said Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business Division at Kia. 'This partnership with LG Electronics advances the core value of PBVs, contributing to a new mobility paradigm where vehicles evolve into personalized spaces for living and working.' PV5 Spielraum c oncept s Kia and LG are showcasing two PV5 Spielraum concept models at the Kia pavilion during the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held from April 4 to 13. The word 'Spielraum' – German for 'play space' – reflects the concept of flexible mobility environments. Spielraum Studio concept: The Spielraum Studio concept is aimed at solo entrepreneurs who travel frequently, requiring both workspace and storage. It features LG's AI-powered home appliances, such as its modular Stylers [i], smart mirrors, and coffee machines, which are integrated to optimize the PV5's interior. The AI system can monitor the user's business schedule, calculate the remaining travel time to the destination, and recommend appliance settings accordingly. Spielraum Glow cabin concept: The Spielraum Glow cabin concept is designed to cater to the growing demand for car picnic experiences. It includes appliances such as refrigerators, lightwave ovens, and wine cellars, seamlessly supporting a wide range of outdoor leisure activities. Each appliance has MoodUP™ panels [ii] that adjust color based on the user's preferences, providing a unique experience. The two companies are working together to bring the concept models to market in the second half of 2026. With this agreement as a starting point, they also plan to cooperate in developing advanced home appliances and AI solutions that can streamline and enhance everyday tasks. -Ends- About Kia Corporation Kia ( is a global mobility brand with a vision to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies around the world. Since 1944 Kia has been providing mobility solutions. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia is spearheading the popularization of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around. The company's brand slogan – 'Movement that inspires' – reflects Kia's commitment to inspire consumers through its products and services. For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at For media inquiries, please contact Gaia Cianci Account Manager E. [i] LG Styler is LG's clothing care solution designed for garment caring, focusing on sanitization and deodorization through TrueSteam™ Technology. It also reduces wrinkles with its moving hanger and steam. [ii] The MoodUP panel is a feature in LG MoodUP™ refrigerators that allows users to change the color of the door panel via LG ThinQ™ app, enabling the customization of colors to match the preferred atmosphere or mood.