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- Kia showcases PV5 WAV at Monetary Instances’ Way forward for the Automobile Summit in collaboration with Motability Operations Ltd.
- PBV WAV maximizes advantages of EV structure to handle challenges confronted by wheelchair customers, their households, caregivers and drivers
- Mannequin options side-entry system, third-row tip-up seat and curb-side entry for improved security, comfort and accessibility
- Kia to broaden its PBV WAV to extra world areas beneath its imaginative and prescient of a Sustainable Mobility Options Supplier for all
Kia Company (Kia) immediately showcased the PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Car) mannequin on the Monetary Instances’ Way forward for the Automobile Summit in London in collaboration with UK-based Motability Operations Ltd.
A part of Kia’s ongoing dedication and contribution to enhancing mobility for folks with disabilities, the exhibition underscores the corporate’s management as a Sustainable Mobility Options Supplier.
“The PV5 WAV is more than just a vehicle; it’s a gateway to independence and freedom for those with mobility challenges,” stated Sangdae Kim, Government Vice President and Head of PBV Division at Kia. “By integrating cutting-edge Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) technology with thoughtful design, we are paving the way for a future where everyone can enjoy the benefits of sustainable mobility, and our partnership with Motability Operations is a testament to our commitment to making this vision a reality.”
Improvement of the PBV WAV
Kia’s growth of a aggressive electrical WAV (eWAV) has aligned with the evolution of its industry-leading PBV fashions and is available in response to rising worldwide demand for accessible autos.
Components reminiscent of elevated life expectancy and rising aged populations are resulting in a better requirement for WAVs, with transport operators increasing their WAV-related providers and adjustments being made to WAV-related insurance policies in sure markets. With the continued progress of the sector projected to conflict with the deliberate phasing out of ICE autos that might normally be transformed into WAVs, the introduction of eWAV choices is of important significance.
Kia has a long-standing historical past of efforts to boost accessible mobility for all folks. Since 2012, the model has been devoted to bettering accessibility by means of numerous initiatives, such because the “Green Trip” venture in South Korea, a venture to boost mobility rights and allow folks with disabilities to journey freely.
In 2021, Kia expanded its efforts globally by conducting a common mobility analysis and demonstration venture in Los Angeles, U.S., to supply car-hailing providers for folks with specialised mobility wants.
Kia PV5 WAV — designed to boost disabled customers’ lives
Kia’s PV5 WAV is designed to supply freedom of motion not just for wheelchair customers, however their households, caregivers and drivers as nicely. The car will allow customers to take pleasure in extra handy, snug and accessible journey whereas seamlessly transitioning to electrical mobility.
The PV5 WAV contains a side-entry system that permits wheelchair customers to board safely from the sidewalk. It additionally features a third-row tip-up seat, enabling caregivers to help wheelchair passengers from the aspect.
The PV5 WAV side-entry variant will probably be manufactured completely at Kia’s Hwaseong EVO Plant in Korea, utilizing the corporate’s Made-In-Plant system. All the manufacturing course of has been designed to be ecologically sustainable and additional scale back limitations of entry for many who want an accessible car.
The mannequin will present simple curb-side entry to boost security and comfort. It’ll additionally function a quick-use, 300kg-rated wheelchair entry ramp and a specifically developed wheelchair belt fastening system.
Past {hardware} improvements, the PV5 WAV will even combine crucial purposes for people with disabilities, primarily based on the AAOS open software program platform.
Reaching the world with Platform Past Car
Throughout Kia EV Day in February 2025, the corporate introduced its collaboration with Motability Operations, a long-term accomplice within the Motability Scheme. Motability is the most important car leasing firm within the UK. Beneath the organisation’s Motability Scheme, customers receiving a qualifying incapacity allowance can select an reasonably priced and accessible car. The Motability Scheme performs an important function in connecting disabled clients to work, healthcare, training and independence.
Leveraging its relationship with Motability and enabling Kia to steer in offering customer-centric eWAVs as a Sustainable Mobility Options Supplier for humanity, Kia additionally plans to broaden its PBV WAV to extra world areas.
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