Kia to enter Japanese auto market with electric commercial vehicles

Kia announced on the 24th that it will enter the Japanese market, leading with its commercial Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) that can be customized according to customer needs. (Kia)

Kia Corp. is set to enter the Japanese electric vehicle (EV) market with custom-built, purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) for commercial use.

The automaker said on Tuesday that it signed a sales contract with Japanese trading company Sojitz Corp. to begin selling PBVs in Japan starting in 2026. Sojitz, one of Japan‘s seven major trading companies, operates globally in fields such as automobile sales, energy, and chemicals while also managing Kia dealership operations in Panama.

Kia will launch its first dedicated PBV model, the PV5, via Sojitz’s network in 2026, initially focusing on the growing electric van market. The two companies will also collaborate with local businesses in mobility, distribution, and logistics to develop the PBV market and establish a supporting ecosystem.

In line with Japanese market needs, the PV5 will be equipped with the local fast-charging system, CHAdeMO, and feature the vehicle-to-X (V2X) bidirectional charging technology to enhance its competitiveness. Kia also plans to introduce larger PBV models, such as the PV7, in the future.

Although EVs currently account for only 2 to 3 percent of new car sales in Japan, the EV market is expected to grow significantly in the next two years. Major automakers including Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., and Nissan Motor Co. are targeting 2026 as a key year for accelerating the shift to electric vehicles.

Kia aims to create new demand in the commercial EV market by leveraging the flexible space configurations of PBVs. These vehicles can be customized for various uses, including campers, taxis, delivery vans, mobile offices, and accessible transport for disabled persons.

The PV5 launch in 2026 will mark Kia’s return to the Japanese market after a 29-year hiatus, following its export of the Vigato to the country in 1997.