Kia discovers the conversion business

Converted commercial vehicles from the manufacturer? With the PV5, Kia is exploring this market and presenting its first conversions with well-known partners.

It's almost like a top-secret operation: A few colleagues and I are standing in front of the Kia-Headquarters in Frankfurt, you go up to the fifth floor – and there are a handful of converted PV5: a workshop vehicle, a refrigerated vehicle, a tipper truck and a bus with disabled conversionThese are among the conversions that the Korean brand plans to offer customers as factory-installed conversion options in the future. Currently, it will be billed separately, once for the car itself and once for the conversion. Option of a single-billing vehicle It is already included in the strategic considerations, as Erhan Eren, PBV Director of Kia Europe, explains.

All-electric commercial vehicles

The version as a workshop van, shown here with Sortimo, is a standard offering in the conversion business. Photo: © Kia

For Kia, the first priority is to... rebuild commercial vehicle businessAdmittedly, the H1 was available as a passenger van and as a panel van (Cargo version), as well as, for a short time, the large-capacity H350 van. But the combustion engine models are history; today, the PBV concept comes into play (Platform Beyond VehicleThe strategy of designing a commercial vehicle from the outset as an electric model, thus creating a better architecture, more usable space, and greater efficiency, has led Kia to create an entire model family. The first series, the PV5 as a passenger van and panel van, has been on the market for some time. A PV7 will follow in 2027., a PV9 in 2029 and a concept for a PV3 is also already known.

The PV5 as a three-way tipper from Gruau. Photo: © Kia

Regarding conversions for the PV5, Kia is starting with the well-known conversion companies in addition to the providers shown: Aluca, AMF Bruns, Gruau, Intax, Lamberet, modular system, Scattolini, Schnierle, Snoeks, Summer, Sweat and Würth, in short the internationally recognized experts in their fieldsThe technical specifications remain the same for the base vehicle. The PV5 can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h, offers different payloads depending on the body style, and is available with two battery versions: 51,5 kWh (mid-range) and 71,2 kWh (long-range), paired with adapted motors of 89 kW and 120 kW, respectively. A chassis version is also available, but only with the smaller battery.

Up to 800 kg payload

Kia is partnering with AMF Bruns to convert the vehicle for transporting wheelchair users. Photo: © Kia

Anyone wanting to assess the size of the PV5 must look at the permissible total weight of 2,65 tons Take a look. This allows a payload of up to 800 kilograms, depending on the version. In addition, the PV5 can tow another 750 kilograms. Three-way tipper trucks presented by Gruau It offers a payload of approximately 750 kilograms, while the tipper body itself weighs 280 kilograms. The Lamberet refrigerated truck offers a volume of 4,3 or 6,3 cubic meters, depending on the desired vehicle height. The cooling structure is a newly developed GRP structure. with polyurethane insulation.

Suer, on the other hand, offers a classic bunk bed, from Sortimo The standard interior fittings come with the familiar SR5 system. There's even room for a Euro pallet lengthwise between the two shelving units. The low loading sill is ideal. for conversion into a van for wheelchair users. AMF Bruns is installing a custom floor; the wheelchair will be located in the rear. On the IAA Transportation Kia will also be showcasing conversion solutions.DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)