Kia Corporation and Kakao Mobility, South Korea’s leading mobility as a service (MaaS) platform service company, today announced a collaboration to develop purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) optimized for ride-hailing and new mobility services linked to PBVs.
The parties, including Kia's President and CEO Ho Sung Song, Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business Division Hyug Ho Kwon, and Senior Vice President and Head of the eLCV Business Division Sangdae Kim, as well as Kakao Mobility's CEO Alex Ryu, Executive Vice President Matthew Ahn, and Senior Vice President Christopher Chang, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project at Kia's headquarters in Seoul.
Under the agreement, Kia will develop customized PBVs using operation data of vehicles to meet the specific requirements of Kakao Mobility’s ride-hailing services. The developed PBVs are expected to continue to capture operation data during their partnership, bringing further insights.
Kia plans to reflect various solutions developed through this cooperation with Kakao Mobility in its future dedicated PBV models, planned for launch in 2025.
The two companies also intend to collaborate on planning specialized services linking software and vehicle data for Kia’s dedicated PBVs. The service includes enabling interaction between in-vehicle-infotainment and the software platform of Kakao Mobility.
In addition, the collaboration is expected to establish advanced ride-hailing models that can evolve the mobility service market by providing highly personalized mobility solutions for numerous types of customers.
“We are confident that the collaboration will create the optimum synergies through Kia’s mobility technologies, including our leadership in PBVs, and Kakao Mobility's expertise in software and platforms,” CEO Song said. “These synergies can create new value in the mobility service market and further accelerate Kia’s rapid transformation to a sustainable mobility solutions provider.”
Through the collaborative partnership in Korea, Kia and Kakao Mobility will complete the development of a standardized service model for ride-hailing. The two parties will then expand their services to various industries, including the lease and logistics sectors and areas for transporting passengers with specific needs, broadening Kia and Kakao Mobility’s offering to global markets.
In April of this year, Kia celebrated a milestone moment with the groundbreaking ceremony of the new dedicated plant for its PBVs in Korea. The facility is set to begin mass production in the latter half of 2025, with an initial capacity of 150,000 units for the first full year, and room for further expansion in response to evolving market trends.
Motor 283 is the biggest automotive website created by a team of automotive enthusiats and this author page is used to show the readers the press releases and news posted on Motor 283 website.
The Ford Expedition, already a cornerstone in the SUV market, returns for 2025 with major updates, reaffirming its position as one of America’s most desirable family haulers. With Ford now focused on trucks and SUVs, the Expedition is set to carry the torch, bringing innovative features, rugged off-road capabilities, and a bold new interior. The 2025 Expedition, maintaining its full-size SUV identity, remains as imposing as ever. Its standard version spans 209.9 inches in length with a 122.5-inch wheelbase, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. For those needing even more space, the Expedition Max stretches to 221.7 inches with a 131.5-inch wheelbase, providing extra room for hauling gear or accommodating large families.
Both versions are 80 inches wide, and their height hovers around 78 inches, ensuring a commanding road presence. Whether for long road trips, off-road adventures, or daily errands, the Expedition has the space to handle it all.
In September, at the Trident's historic headquarters on Viale Ciro Menotti in Modena, Maserati delivered a one-of-a-kind model made exclusively for two very special customers: the MC20 Maserati per Maserati, commissioned by the grandchildren of Ettore Maserati, founder of the Italian brand in 1914 together with his brothers Alfieri and Ernesto.
Škoda Middle East has announced the arrival of the new Škoda Scala and Kamiq in the region. These upgraded models combine sleek design, advanced technology and enhanced safety features, reinforcing Škoda’s commitment to delivering high-quality, versatile cars that cater to the unique preferences of the region‘s drivers.
The new Kamiq and Scala, designed for both urban and long-distance driving, bring cutting-edge innovations and are set to make a strong impact in the Middle Eastern market. They offer modern styling, efficient performance, and a range of advanced features.
The Škoda Kamiq, a versatile crossover, now sports a more confident look, rugged SUV character, and upgraded tech. With its compact size, excellent fuel efficiency, and advanced connectivity, it's ideal for both city streets and highways.
The Škoda Scala, a sporty hatchback inspired by the Vision RS concept, features a revised grille and bumper with dynamic elements. Despite its compact platform, it offers ample space for passengers and luggage, with a modern interior similar to Škoda’s higher-end models.
SHARE
