Latest news with #FutureoftheCarSummit
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Kia Unveils PV5 WAV
KIA CORPORATION has unveiled its latest innovation in accessible transport with the debut of its PV5 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) at the Financial Times' Future of the Car Summit, held in collaboration with the UK's Motability Operations Ltd. The showcase marks a significant advancement in Kia's global commitment to inclusive and sustainable mobility. The PV5 WAV, part of Kia's expanding Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) portfolio, represents a fusion of advanced electric vehicle technology and inclusive design. Developed specifically for individuals with mobility challenges, the model exemplifies the automaker's vision of a future where transport is equitable, sustainable, and accessible to all. Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the PBV Division at Kia, emphasised that the PV5 WAV is not merely a mode of transport, but a symbol of autonomy and empowerment. He noted that by combining innovative PBV architecture with human-centric design, Kia aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in the transition to electric mobility. The need for accessible transport is growing globally due to rising life expectancy and an ageing population, which is creating increasing demand for WAVs. Simultaneously, the decline in availability of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which were often adapted into WAVs, has created an urgent need for purpose-built electric alternatives. Kia's PV5 WAV is a direct response to this shift, offering a ready-made electric solution for the next era of mobility. Kia's efforts to champion mobility for all are long-standing. Since 2012, the company has implemented initiatives like the 'Green Trip' project in South Korea, aimed at improving travel access for people with disabilities. In 2021, Kia expanded its reach through a universal mobility pilot project in Los Angeles, providing accessible ride-hailing services for those with specific mobility needs. The new PV5 WAV has been meticulously designed to cater not only to wheelchair users but also to their caregivers and family members. Key features include a side-entry configuration for safe kerbside boarding, a third-row tip-up seat to facilitate assistance, and a reinforced entry ramp capable of supporting up to 300kg. The wheelchair restraint system has also been specially developed to maximise safety and ease of use. Manufacturing of the side-entry variant will take place at Kia's Hwaseong EVO Plant in Korea. The facility employs the company's Made-In-Plant system, which prioritises environmentally sustainable production processes. This approach aligns with Kia's broader strategy of reducing environmental impact while lowering entry barriers for those in need of accessible transport. On the technology front, the PV5 WAV integrates accessibility applications built on the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), ensuring intuitive operation for users with diverse needs. Kia's collaboration with Motability Operations, the UK's leading vehicle leasing provider for disabled drivers, is central to the rollout strategy. Through the Motability Scheme, individuals receiving eligible disability benefits are able to lease adapted vehicles that enable access to employment, healthcare, education and daily independence. This partnership strengthens Kia's role as a leader in sustainable, customer-focused mobility solutions. Looking ahead, Kia intends to extend its PBV WAV offerings beyond the UK, bringing the benefits of the PV5 to new markets as part of a global expansion of its inclusive mobility portfolio. This move reinforces the brand's objective of delivering electric, accessible solutions that serve humanity at large.
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
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Stellantis chairman denies merger talks with Renault
ROME (Reuters) -Stellantis Chairman John Elkann on Thursday denied there was any truth to rumours that the company is in merger talks with fellow European automaker Renault. "We are not discussing any merger," Elkann said at the FT Future of the Car Summit in London, speaking in a panel discussion with Renault CEO Luca de Meo. The two companies in October already dismissed as rumour and speculation media reports that they may join forces. Stellantis was created in 2021 from the merger of Fiat-Chrysler with France's PSA, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen. The Franco-Italian company includes the Jeep and Opel brands. 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
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Stellantis chairman denies merger talks with Renault
ROME (Reuters) -Stellantis Chairman John Elkann on Thursday denied there was any truth to rumours that the company is in merger talks with fellow European automaker Renault. "We are not discussing any merger," Elkann said at the FT Future of the Car Summit in London, speaking in a panel discussion with Renault CEO Luca de Meo. The two companies in October already dismissed as rumour and speculation media reports that they may join forces. Stellantis was created in 2021 from the merger of Fiat-Chrysler with France's PSA, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen. The Franco-Italian company includes the Jeep and Opel brands.
