Kia PBV Experience Center — One Off? Or New Thing?

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Kia has launched what it calls a “PBV Experience Center” as part of a strategy to “accelerate its global PBV business.” This experience center is in South Korea, Kia’s home base. Is this a notable worldwide launch? That seems to be implied, given it’s on Kia’s global press center. Or is it just something cool locally that allows them to highlight the Kia PBV platform and share images around the world? If it’s the former, I’m curious to see how and where Kia continues to roll out these Experience Centers, and how much they can help the company to stimulate high volumes of commercial electric vehicle sales.

To get into it, though, here are the four bullet points Kia is highlighting about the launch:

• Kia opens its first PBV Experience Center to accelerate its global PBV business strategy
• The PBV Experience Center is Kia’s dedicated space where Kia PBV models can be explored all at once, across diverse line-ups and designs
• The center delivers tailored business & lifestyle experiences, co-designs conversion solutions with partners and fosters collaboration on new business models
• Kia reinforces its commitment as a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider, advancing its PBV vision with sustainable, innovative solutions that meet the evolving global customer needs

So, that first point does imply that this “dedicated PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) hub for business customers” is just the first of many. However, would it be the first of 10? The first of 100? The first of 1,000? We have no idea.

The rest there is all about customization opportunity, collaboration with the business community, and some fluffy PR language. Basically, though, they want to pull businesses onto the PBV client list and think this kind of mini dealership customized to them is the way to do so.

The company also notes that its “specialized PBV production facility, the Hwaseong EVO Plant East,” was also just comlpeted, indicating that step by step, the company is building a big new business here.

Kia is also highlighting that the PV5 won the 2026 International Van of the Year award, set a Guinness World Record for electric light commercial vehicles, and is growing its presence in this practical but competitive space. The company feels that it really has something to show off, and I guess that’s what the Experience Center is really about — telling people that it has something special and you have to experience it to understand it.

“As a venue where the full PBV lineup can be experienced in one place, the new PBV Experience Center offers customers an engaging and immersive experience,” said Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV Business Division at Kia Corporation.

It all looks like a solid effort to me, and the PBV platform does seem to be one of the most promising commercial electric vehicle projects from automakers around the world. The PV5 and other PBV models should be outcompeting their gas-powered rivals in market after market. Perhaps the most important way to make that happen now is with Experience Centers that get butts in seats. Let’s see how quickly Kia expands there.

Kia also includes a short Q&A (with itself) in the announcement about the new center. I’ll close with that, as it does help provide a little more light and one example of how this center can and will be used to built its client base.

What is the PBV Experience Center?

Launched in November 2025, Kia’s PBV Experience Center serves as a dedicated PBV hub presenting the complete PBV lineup in a single venue, curated by purpose, trim and color. Under Kia’s PBV vision, it serves as a business platform with modular spaces designed for events, networking and collaboration.

In November, Kia hosted the 2025 Global PBV Conversion Partners Day at the center, welcoming 120 bodybuilders from Korea, Europe, Japan, Africa, the Middle East and Canada. This inaugural event showcased the center’s capability as an international business venue, strengthening relationships and driving collaboration within the commercial vehicle sector.

What experiences does the PBV Experience Center offer?

The center provides an immersive experience for both business clients and the public, giving them a deeper understanding of the innovation and craftsmanship behind Kia’s PBV vision.

• Complete PBV showcase: The center offers the only venue where visitors can experience various PBV models categorized by purpose, trim and color in one place, providing a full understanding of Kia’s lineup and customization possibilities.
• Guided Tours of Kia Facilities: Separate tours of the Hwaseong EVO Plant and the nearby Namyang R&D Center are available to business guests. Their close proximity makes it easy to experience both, delivering a comprehensive view of Kia PBVs from design to production.
• Test Drive Program: The program offers test drives with model-specific courses for a unique and engaging experience.
• AR and Curation Kiosk: This zone features interactive technologies, including an AR Simulator that uses tablets to explore functionalities, colors and designs for each model, as well as a Curation Kiosk that recommends the PBV best suited to each visitor’s lifestyle.
• Customization Zone: Visitors can discover a wide range of PV5 custom accessories and Kia Shop items, offering insights into personalization options.

What are Kia’s plans for the PBV Experience Center?

Kia plans to expand the PBV Experience Center to showcase upcoming PV5 derivative models launching in 2026. The PBV Experience Center aims to serve as a unique hub where a diverse audience—from general customers to businesses and partners—can experience firsthand the value and versatility of PBVs.