Kia partners with Britain's Motability Operations to develop wheelchair-accessible vehicle

SEOUL, Nov. 4 (Yonhap) -- Kia Corp. said Tuesday it has partnered with Motability Operations Ltd. of Britain to jointly develop an electric, wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) to enhance inclusive mobility solutions.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed Monday, Kia and Motability Operations will work together to bring to market a fully electric, side-entry WAV based on Kia's Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture.

The WAV will be designed, built and sold by Kia, with Motability Operations providing customer insights from the British market to ensure the model meets user needs. The project aims to improve mobility access for people with disabilities.

Kia's first PBV model, the PV5, will debut in the British market in 2026 with a locally converted WAV variant.

The South Korean automaker said the collaboration will enhance the quality and competitiveness of its PBV lineup, beginning with the PV5 and extending to future models, such as the PV7.

"There is no better demonstration of the commitment towards Kia's vision of a sustainable mobility solutions provider than the innovative independence that the PV5 WAV offers to those facing mobility challenges," said Song Ho-sung, Kia president and chief executive officer (CEO).

Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, said the collaboration with Kia supports the company's long-term goals in taking "the next step in creating a purpose-built electric WAV to protect disabled people's mobility through the EV transition."

odissy@yna.co.kr
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