Kia’s dealer network will be called upon to deliver the aftersales coverage needed by buyers of its new PV7 van, the brand’s LCV boss has said.
The PV7 is an electric medium van which is due to go on sale in the second half of 2027. It was unveiled this week at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover, Germany.
Speaking to media including Automotive Management at the show, Sangdae Kim, executive VP and head of the PBV commercial vehicle division at Kia, said that uptime management would be an important part of its sales pitch to customers.
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He said: “We have an excellent dealer network in Europe. So, by utilising this dealer network and our excellent parts supply network with our sister company Hyundai, we are going to cover customers’ requirement regarding 24/7 uptime management.”
Kim said that dealers’ contribution to PV7 uptime would come alongside predictive vehicle maintenance facilitated by connected vehicle data, which will be accessible via fleet management platforms including Kia’s own.
In the UK, Kia has established a network of dedicated PBV centres, linked either to multi-brand van centres or existing Kia car dealership locations.
Kim explained that multi brand dealers would bring LCV experience beyond that of Kia, which only entered the European LCV market last year with the PV5, while the Kia dealers were well versed in EVs thanks to the brand’s electric car range.
Kim said: “Kia has been selling a lot of EVs in the market. So, that means our dealers and our technicians have a lot of experience and expertise in dealing with EVs.”
PV7 predicted to be most popular Kia van
Kim confirmed that Kia is forecasting the PV7 as its biggest-selling PBV model, outstripping both the smaller PV5 and the larger PV9, the latter scheduled to launch in 2029.
As well as higher overall volume, Kia is also expecting the PV7 to sell to different types of van operator.
Kim said: “With the PV5 the main customers are B2B, or between B2B and B2C. So, for example, you are an electrician. You are going to use the vehicle for your business during weekdays, and then at the weekend, you are going to use your PV5 for your personal purpose.
“PV7 is a totally different story. We can divide our target customers – logistics and delivery will be one pillar, the second pillar will be utility companies. The third pillar will be the ride-hailing, people-moving business.”
Related reading: New PV7 will let Kia dealers target big-selling medium van segment
Kim also identified a potential opportunity for the PV7 Passenger – which will be available in seven- and nine-seat forms – in what remains of the MPV car market.
He said: “Many MPV models are gone. Volkswagen Sharan, Touran, there are no more of those models in the market. So, our PV7 seven-seaters and nine-seaters would be, maybe, a good alternative for MPVs.”