Kia's purpose-built vehicle (PBV) model PV5 outsold the Carnival, the automaker's flagship model, in South Korean sales for February.
The PV5 sold 3,967 units in the domestic market last month, surpassing the Carnival's 3,712 units by 255 vehicles, according to industry data. The Carnival ranked third in South Korea's passenger vehicle sales last year. The PV5, a new electric vehicle launched in July last year, overtook the established bestseller just seven months after its debut.
The PV5 is Kia's first PBV, designed for various applications including mobile retail shops and office spaces. The cargo model qualifies for higher government subsidies as a commercial electric vehicle. Subsidies reach 11.5 million won for the long-range four-door cargo version and 4.58 million won for the five-seat passenger long-range model. In Seoul, the actual purchase price for the cargo model is expected to fall to the high 20-million-won range.
Kia is building a dedicated PBV production facility called "Evo Plant" at its Hwaseong Autoland complex in Gyeonggi Province. Hyundai Motor Group's Global Business Research Institute projects the PBV market will reach approximately 20 million units by 2030.
The vehicle's versatility for mobile shops, offices, and campers positions it as a potential "game changer" in the mobility services market. Actor Lee Jang-woo, known as a celebrity camping enthusiast, drew public attention when he praised the PV5, calling it "a work of art."
Kia's global sales in February totaled 247,401 units. Electric vehicle sales reached 14,488 units, exceeding 10,000 for the first time in brand history on a monthly basis. Among EVs, the PV5 led sales, followed by the EV3 with 3,469 units and EV5 with 2,524 units. Kia reduced prices on the EV5 Long Range and EV6 by approximately 2.8 million won and 3 million won, respectively.
The Sportage led global sales with 47,081 units, followed by the Seltos at 24,305 units and K4 at 18,434 units. The Sorento topped domestic sales with 7,693 units.
Industry observers expect the electrification transition to accelerate as electric vehicles continue to outsell popular internal combustion engine models.