Kia Corporation and Uber have formalised a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The collaboration aims to leverage Kia's innovation in developing Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs) to enhance Uber's electric vehicle offerings on its mobility platform and assist Uber in achieving its ambitious 2040 zero-emission goal.
These PBVs, designed under Kia's 'Platform Beyond Vehicle' strategy, are anticipated to redefine the mobility landscape over the next decade. By optimising PBVs for drivers and fleets, Kia and Uber aspire to play a key role in shaping the future of mobility.
SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President & CEO, Kia North America, and Kia America, highlighted the importance of PBVs in customising mobility, expressing Kia's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and advanced services to enhance the ride-hailing experience. The collaboration seeks to offer Uber drivers a comprehensive suite of offerings that facilitates a smoother transition to electrification, aligning with both companies' sustainability goals.
Sangdae Kim, Head of PBV Division, Kia, emphasised the transformative role of PBVs in mobility and outlined the collaboration's focus on advanced software, services, and safety technology. The partnership envisions creating proofs of concept, prototypes, and tailored PBVs that meet the specific needs of Uber platform users.
Kia and Uber will work together to optimise PBV models, integrating technology and services that benefit drivers and passengers alike. The collaboration also explores ways to reduce the total cost of vehicle ownership, potentially introducing Battery as a Service (BaaS) subscription offerings.
Susan Anderson, Vice President, Global Head of Business Development at Uber, emphasised the rapid adoption of electric vehicles by Uber drivers, contributing significantly to emissions reduction. By teaming up with Kia, Uber aims to broaden the appeal and lower the cost of electric vehicles, making them a more accessible choice for drivers.
The partnership also involves the expansion of the Kia Flex program in North America, offering Uber platform drivers a comprehensive vehicle package, including electric vehicle options, insurance, and maintenance. The Kia Connect diagnostic and preventive services will enhance operational efficiencies, using data-driven solutions to detect potential malfunctions and minimise maintenance costs.
Revealed at CES, Kia's PBV project is a decade-long plan involving multiple phases, showcasing the introduction of the Kia PV5 and subsequent variants, including high roof, van, chassis cab, robotaxi, and pickup models. Each variant will offer unique characteristics, with Uber-specific optimisations tailored for the ride-hailing market. The collaboration is expected to bring transformative changes to the mobility industry, aligning with Hyundai Motor Group's broader ambitions in robotics, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and autonomous driving.
Also Read
Hyundai, Kia Join Gore For Breakthrough In H2 Fuel Cell Technology