Kia Strengthens PBV Ecosystem with Global Conversion Partners
Kia Corporation recently hosted the 2025 Global PBV Conversion Partners Day (November 25-27) to foster collaboration and accelerate the growth of diverse models within its platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) ecosystem. The event, held in Seoul and Hwaseong, brought together approximately 120 representatives from Kia and bodybuilders across Korea, Europe, Japan, Africa, the Middle East, and Canada.
PBV conversion involves utilizing Kia’s PBVs as a base to create specialized vehicles tailored to specific customer needs. Kia aims to expand its network of conversion partners, offering a collaborative framework were Kia provides manufacturing details, certification, and technical support, ensuring high-quality, complete-vehicle standards. Currently, Kia has designated 10 Korean bodybuilders as official PBV Conversion partners and plans to add approximately 10 more in Europe. A signing ceremony was held during the event to welcome new partners.
“Kia will strengthen collaboration with bodybuilders worldwide to deliver vehicles and services optimized for diverse business environments,” stated Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV business Division at Kia Corporation. “We anticipate that this expanded collaboration will allow Kia to offer customers high-quality conversion options, accelerate PBV adoption and build a growing, interconnected ecosystem.”
The event included presentations on Kia’s PBV business strategy and the Conversion Partnership program, alongside a tour of the AutoLand Hwaseong EVO Plant – Kia’s dedicated PBV production facility with an annual capacity of 250,000 units. Attendees also had the chance to view the mass-production model of the PV5,recently named the 2026 International Van of the Year,and explore conversion-ready configurations like the Chassis Cab and Donor Model. Test drives were also available.
Kia plans to make the Global PBV Conversion Partners Day an annual event, reinforcing its commitment to building a robust and innovative PBV ecosystem. The company also operates a dedicated PBV Conversion Center to co-develop specialized models with partners globally.
