Kia to begin construction of a new factory for large PBVs in 2025

Kia Corp‘s PV7

South Korean automaker Kia Corp. will begin the construction of a new factory dedicated to large purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) in the first quarter of 2025.

According to industry sources on Monday, the labor union and management of Kia shared plans to build its No. 5 factory, which will be the automaker’s second dedicated PBV plant.

The first PBV plant, known as PBV 1, began construction in April last year and will start mass production of mid-sized PBVs, known as PV5, in July next year.

The construction of PBV 2 will begin in the first quarter of next year, starting with a painting facility. A complete plant will be built by the third quarter of 2026.

Kia aims to make PBV 2 a cost-effective and profitable facility. The assembly plant will optimize space by efficiently arranging production facilities and automating essential processes such as high-voltage battery, seat, and tire assembly.

Kia plans to determine design specifications for the larger PBVs, PV7, by August next year and produce a pilot model in November 2026 to test vehicle quality and facility capabilities.

The PV7, scheduled for launch in 2027, will be around 5.9 meters long and will cater to a range of applications, including long-haul logistics.