Kia has teamed up with the world’s largest leasing company for disability-friendly vehicles to introduce its purpose-built (PBV) PV5 WAV to the UK market.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during the Future of the Car Summit, an international automotive forum hosted by the Financial Times in London.
Set to launch in July, the PV5 marks Kia’s first foray into the PBV segment. The lineup includes three variants:
- Passenger, focused on transporting people
- Cargo, optimized for freight
- WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), designed with maximum accessibility in mind
All models will be produced in small batches at Kia’s Hwaseong plant in South Korea.
The PV5 WAV is built with a universal design that accommodates general passengers and wheelchair users. Unlike traditional setups that require rear entry, the PV5 WAV features a side-entry ramp from the second row. This allows wheelchair users to board easily while caregivers ride in the third row to provide support during travel. Kia is also considering additional onboard applications to enhance accessibility and independence further.
Kia will distribute the PV5 WAV in partnership with Motability, the UK’s largest vehicle leasing service for people with disabilities. Motability operates a fleet of around 35,000 wheelchair-accessible vehicles, making it the largest globally.
With the shift toward electrification extending to accessibility-focused mobility, Kia’s fully electric PV5 WAV is expected to meet increasing demand for sustainable, inclusive transport solutions.
“We believe the competitiveness of the PV5 WAV has been validated through our partnership with Motability,” said Kim Sang-dae, Executive VP of Kia’s PBV Business Division. “We anticipate this vehicle will empower individuals with limited mobility to enjoy greater freedom and independence.”