Kia PV5 Wins Three 'Van of the Year' Awards in Europe

Kia's (000270.KS) purpose-built vehicle (PBV) "The Kia PV5" is proving its competitiveness by sweeping major European awards. The electric van is emerging as a "game changer" in the market, earning praise for its practicality and cost efficiency.

According to Kia on Wednesday, the PV5 was named "Van of the Year" at awards hosted by three European media outlets: Electrifying.com, News UK, and Parkers.

Electrifying.com, a media outlet specializing in electric mobility, praised the PV5 as "a model that opens a new chapter in the electric van market." The outlet evaluates vehicles based on real-world usability and cost efficiency. The judging panel gave high marks to the PV5's driving convenience, modular platform, and ease of conversion, citing its customer-centric value.

The PV5 also won "Van of the Year" at the 2025 News UK Motor Awards based on its economical operating costs and practical features. News UK described it as "a model that will lead innovation in the European light commercial vehicle market."

At Parkers' 2026 Van & Pickup Awards, the PV5 claimed both "Van of the Year" and "Best Electric Van" for its generous driving range, excellent loading convenience, and spacious interior. Parkers is a leading British automotive publication.

Europe is known for its demanding standards and high entry barriers in the light commercial vehicle segment, where various brands have competed for decades. Kia said the PV5's sweep of "Van of the Year" titles and major global awards immediately after its European launch demonstrates that its safety, performance, and cost efficiency have been recognized from multiple perspectives.

This year, Kia launched the PV5 Cargo Long and five-seat Passenger models in Korea and Europe. Starting next year, the company will introduce various derivative models including Light Camper, Cargo High Roof, and Open Bed, as well as six- and seven-seat Passenger versions. Kia will also expand into global markets including Japan, Africa and the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. The strategy is to complete a global PBV ecosystem with solutions tailored to each region's characteristics and secure leadership in the future mobility market.

"We are proud that the PV5, which embodies Kia's customer-centric management philosophy and the practicality inherited from the Bongo, has proven its excellence worldwide," said Kim Sang-dae, Vice President of Kia's PBV Business Division. "We will continue to introduce various derivative models of the PV5 and lead mobility innovation by continuously listening to and reflecting customer feedback."