Kia announced on Jan. 11 that it signed a partnership with Uber at CES 2024, the world’s largest electronics and IT trade show currently being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the U.S.
Through the agreement, both companies will work to identify the optimal vehicle specifications for Uber drivers and passengers using the Uber platform. Kia plans to produce and supply specialized Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) models tailored to the needs of drivers and customers.
The vehicle to be supplied to Uber is the PV5, one of the PBV lineup unveiled by Kia at CES 2024. Kia plans to mass-produce this model in 2025.
Kia will provide diagnostic and preventive services for PBVs operated by Uber through its Kia Connect remote vehicle control system. The company also agreed to actively collaborate in expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Uber will provide Kia with data on charging stations and vehicle usage collected through its operating vehicles. Both companies plan to develop software that proposes optimal driving patterns and charging routes based on joint data analysis.