Korean carmaker Kia made a major step by entering the Japanese automotive market, with the PV5 at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.
Kia’s bold entry into Japan is backed by a strategic collaboration with the diversified Japanese corporation, Sojitz Group. This partnership has established ‘Kia PBV Japan,’ a Sojitz-run sales subsidiary that will oversee Kia’s PBV strategy in the market.
The two companies share a vision that mobility should address social challenges and protect the environment, laying the foundation to accelerate Japan’s transition to a carbon-neutral society. Kia aims to establish eight dealers and 100 service centers nationwide in its first year through this partnership.
PV5 Variants for Japanese Needs
The PV5 is built on the dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S) and can be configured in up to 16 different variants thanks to its Flexible Body System.
Variants displayed include the PV5 Cargo and the PV5 Passenger model, scheduled to go on sale in Japan starting in the first half of 2026.
Key features tailored for the Japanese market include:
- PV5 Cargo: Designed for urban logistics with a compact 5.5-meter turning radius and an efficient range of up to 528 km (WLTC with 71.2 kWh battery)]. It also features a dual-swing tailgate for easy loading.
- PV5 Passenger: Features a low 399 mm step height and wide door openings for easy access, supporting community transport services, especially for the aging population. It offers a long range of up to 521 km (WLTC with 71.2 kWh battery)].
- PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle): Addresses demand for accessible transport with a gently sloped side-entry ramp and low floor.
Kia plans to expand its PBV lineup further with the introduction of the larger PV7 in 2027. With Kia Malaysia rumoured to come in strong either later this year or early this year, we wonder if the PBV lineup has chance of being introduced here as Malaysia is in desperate need of mobility solutions that cater to these types of niches.
