Uber is interested in Kia's special vehicles

Kia also wants to cooperate with Uber in the further development of fully electric multifunctional vehicles. Both companies signed a letter of intent to this effect at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Kia is presenting a range of special vehicles under the name PBV at the show, which ends tomorrow. The abbreviation originally stood for Purpose-built Vehicles and is now interpreted as "Platform Beyond Vehicle".

Kia hopes that the cooperation with the ride-hailing provider will provide information on optimal specifications for its PBV models. The aim is to create feasibility studies and prototypes as well as the production of PBVs tailored to the needs of drivers using the Uber platform.

The partnership is also expected to contribute to the growth of the Kia Flex subscription program in North America, with plans to expand into other markets in the near future. It is currently offered in several US states and allows drivers there to select Kia vehicles for use on the Uber platform.

Kia presented several PBV concept vehicles at the CES. The Kia PV 5 will be the first production model to be launched on the market in one or two years in several variants. A van, a high-roof panel van, a chassis with driver's cab and a pick-up as well as a robotaxi are being considered. (aum)