Kia creates a PBV mobility ecosystem in Gwangju, Jeollanam-do... Investment of KRW 3 trillion in future cars

Kia is starting to create a future mobility ecosystem centered on Purpose-Based Mobility (PBV) in the Gwangju, Jeollanam-do region. By 2029, an investment of approximately 3 trillion won will be promoted to transform future vehicles, centered on Autoland Gwangju.

Kia signed a 'Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a PBV-based future mobility industry ecosystem' at Autoland Gwangju on the 6th with Kia CEO Song Ho-seong, Jeonnam Gwangju Unified Mayor Min Hyeong-bae, Chonnam National University President Lee Geun-bae, and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) President Ki-cheol Lim in attendance.

The purpose is to lay the foundation for the growth of the local future car industry through cooperation in demonstrating and commercializing future mobility technology using PBV.

According to the agreement, we plan to seek ways to cooperate in the development of PBV-based demand-responsive transportation (DRT) vehicles, demonstration of PBV shuttle service incorporating autonomous driving technology, demonstration of PV5 WAV-based remote driving technology to improve mobility convenience for the transportation vulnerable, and demonstration of Easy Swap technology that can change vehicle use depending on purposes such as logistics and passengers.

We will also join forces in the environment and energy fields, including preparing cooperation measures to respond to the climate crisis and expand renewable energy.

Kia expects that this agreement will strengthen the foundation of the PBV industry in the region and provide a new growth engine for the local future car industry through the development and expansion of various future mobility services.

In addition, Kia plans to establish a production system based on future innovative manufacturing technology through an investment of 3 trillion won to transform future vehicles, demonstrate autonomous driving technology, and expand production of electric vehicles.

Kia President Song Ho-seong said, “This agreement will serve as an opportunity to promote the development and commercialization of PBV-based future mobility technology,” and added, “Kia will contribute to Jeonnam Gwangju Unified Special City’s leap forward into Korea’s representative future mobility industry center by establishing a future vehicle production system and expanding the PBV business.”