Uber-provided PBVs are based on Kia's first dedicated PBV model, the PV5.
Cooperation to expand Kia Flex operations in North America through Uber platform integration

Kia is joining hands with global ride-sharing service company Uber to expand its PBV business in earnest.

Kia announced on the 10th that it has signed a partnership with Uber at CES 2024 and will collaborate to develop and supply PBVs optimized for Uber mobility.

The signing ceremony held at the Kia exhibition hall on this day was attended by key officials from both companies, including Seung-kyu Yoon, Vice President and Head of Kia North America; Sang-dae Kim, Head of Kia PBV Business Division; Susan Anderson, Head of Uber Global Business Division; Ajay Dalvi, Head of Uber Global Business Development; and Nishith Kumar, Director of Uber Global Business Development.

This agreement was reached through a joint effort between Kia, which aims to realize its vision of a “Platform Beyond Vehicle” by providing diverse experiential value, and Uber, which aims to achieve its “2040 carbon neutrality” goal by expanding PBV operations.

Through this agreement, the two companies will collaborate to identify optimal specifications for ride-hailing drivers and passengers using the Uber platform, and to produce and supply specialized PBV models based on these specifications.

In this process, the diverse needs of drivers and customers are actively reflected in the PBV development process.

The PBV to be provided to Uber in the future will be based on Kia's first dedicated PBV model, the 'PV5', which is scheduled for mass production in 2025.

The PV5, the first vehicle to feature a dedicated EV platform for PBVs, boasts greater space and greater livability than existing passenger taxi models. It also features driver-specific applications with an open infotainment system, and provides a personalized transportation environment for the convenience of passengers.

The two companies also plan to continue their collaboration to develop and provide user-centric solutions based on software, data, and AI.

In addition, PBV diagnosis and prevention services are also provided through the application of ‘Kia Connect.’

This allows drivers to detect potential failure signs in advance and reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) by minimizing maintenance costs and service time.

Kia and Uber will also actively cooperate to expand public and home charging infrastructure utilizing the global charging network to address the inconvenience faced by Uber drivers switching to PBVs.

We are also developing software that suggests optimal driving patterns and charging routes based on analysis of charging station and vehicle data.

The two companies will also collaborate to expand the operation of the 'Kia Flex' service in North America through integration with the Uber platform.

The plan is to encourage more Uber drivers to subscribe to vehicles through Kia Flex by offering exclusive package benefits such as rental, insurance, and maintenance.

This partnership with UberKia expects that by developing customized vehicles that reflect diverse requirements, it will be able to increase the value and role of PBVs, while also contributing to achieving its goal of providing individual customers with a total mobility solution optimized for their business environment.

“Through our partnership with Uber, Kia aims to enhance the mobility experience with industry-leading hardware technology and high-quality software and services,” said Seung-Gyu Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America. “Kia’s PBV will serve as a bridgehead for the future mobility industry and contribute to achieving the electrification and sustainability goals pursued by both companies.”

Susan Anderson, Uber’s head of global business, said, “By sharing mobility insights and collaborating with Kia, we hope to provide more Uber platform users with improved work productivity and optimized total cost of ownership, thereby accelerating the transition to EVs.”