* Translated by AI

Starnews

Kia PV5 Makes Historic Debut in Japan's 'Car of the Year' Top 10… Even Professional Journalists Were Surprised

Published:

김경수
Add as preferred source

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

PV5 Healthcare Specialized Model / Photo provided by Kia
PV5 Healthcare Specialized Model / Photo provided by Kia

Kia’s innovative purpose-built vehicle (PBV) electric car, the 'PV5,' has been selected for the final 'Top 10 Best Cars' of the '2026-2027 Japan Car of the Year.' This selection marks a historic first for the Kia brand, as it is the first time a Kia model has reached the Japan JCOTY Top 10 stage. It carries significant meaning in that it represents official recognition of the competitiveness of a domestically produced electric commercial and passenger multi-purpose vehicle in the conservative Japanese finished car market.

The Kia PV5, which made its full entry into the Japanese market this year, is simultaneously rolling out both the commercial model 'PV5 Cargo (Van)' and the passenger model 'PV5 Passenger' lineup. Based on a dedicated electric vehicle platform, it adopts a modularized body structure and low-floor design, achieving exceptional space utilization that breaks conventional stereotypes of commercial vehicles, while also delivering ride comfort with the quietness level of a passenger car.

(Seoul=NEWS1) = Kia announced on the 16th that it has launched Korea’s first car-sharing pilot service utilizing remote driving technology in the Pangyo New Town area of Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do. Accordingly, for approximately three months until the end of the year, it will operate a B2B remote driving car-sharing pilot service targeting employees of companies located in the 2nd Pangyo Techno Valley, based on the Kia mid-size purpose-built vehicle (PBV) 'PV5' passenger model. The image shows the Kia PV5 driving around the 2nd Pangyo Techno Valley area. (Provided by Kia. Resale and DB use prohibited.) October 16, 2026 / NEWS1 Copyright © NEWS1. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution, as well as use for AI learning, are prohibited. /Photo=(Seoul=NEWS1)
(Seoul=NEWS1) = Kia announced on the 16th that it has launched Korea’s first car-sharing pilot service utilizing remote driving technology in the Pangyo New Town area of Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do. Accordingly, for approximately three months until the end of the year, it will operate a B2B remote driving car-sharing pilot service targeting employees of companies located in the 2nd Pangyo Techno Valley, based on the Kia mid-size purpose-built vehicle (PBV) 'PV5' passenger model. The image shows the Kia PV5 driving around the 2nd Pangyo Techno Valley area. (Provided by Kia. Resale and DB use prohibited.) October 16, 2026 / NEWS1 Copyright © NEWS1. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution, as well as use for AI learning, are prohibited. /Photo=(Seoul=NEWS1)

In particular, the optimized turning radius and advanced driving assistance features tailored to Japanese urban operating conditions, where narrow road environments and logistics efficiency are prioritized, earned high praise from the Japan Automobile Journalists Association.

Following Hyundai Motor’s establishment of its position in the Japanese electrification market with models such as the 'Ioniq 5' and 'Inster,' Kia has now secured a place on the main stage of the Japan Car of the Year by leading with the PBV genre. As a result, attention is increasingly focused on potential expansion of market share in the imported electric vehicle and commercial vehicle sectors. With the final review to determine the ultimate winner scheduled for December, industry eyes are fixed on the final scorecard that the Kia PV5 will achieve.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Recommended News

Editor’s Pick

Latest in Business & Lifestyle