Gwangju:Kia Corp. has announced its plan to invest 3 trillion won (US$2.2 billion) by 2029 to develop a purpose-built vehicle (PBV) mobility ecosystem in Gwangju, located in the southwestern region of South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City, Chonnam National University, and the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST). This agreement was finalized at Kia's AutoLand plant in Gwangju, approximately 270 kilometers south of Seoul.
The collaboration aims to advance the development of PBVs for demand-responsive transport services and test autonomous PBV shuttles within the city. Additionally, the initiative will include demonstrating remote driving technology with the PV5 wheelchair-accessible vehicle and testing Kia's Easy Swap technology, which facilitates a seamless transition between passenger and cargo vehicle configurations.
Kia anticipates that this partnership will bolster the PBV industry in the region and pave the way for new growth opportunities by expediting the development and integration of advanced mobility services.