Kia PBV Japan Co., Ltd. Representative Director and President Yasunari Tajima (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) and KIA PBV Conclude Authorized Dealer Agreement
Direct Cars Inc. has signed an authorized dealer agreement with Kia PBV Japan Co., Ltd. for KIA's next-generation mobility "PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle)," with sales of the BEV model "PV5" to begin in May 2026.
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- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 19:15
- 🔍 Collected: May 13, 2026 at 10:31
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Direct Cars Inc. (Headquarters: Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Representative: Masato Momota) has signed an authorized dealer agreement with Kia PBV Japan Co., Ltd. (Representative Director and President: Yasunari Tajima, Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) regarding KIA's next-generation mobility "PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle)".
Under this agreement, sales of the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) model "PV5" will commence in May 2026.
Background of the Agreement and Market Strategy
KIA Exterior Image
Kia PBV Japan Co., Ltd.'s business policy for FY2026 promotes sales strategies that cater to both BtoB and BtoC markets.
Furthermore, at the start of sales, nationwide expansion is planned for approximately 8 locations, with Direct Cars participating as a core dealer. Leveraging its customer base and proposal capabilities cultivated in the campervan business, Direct Cars will be responsible for creating a new market for PBVs.
Direct Cars plans to offer exhibitions and experiential opportunities for KIA PBV vehicles. These facilities will be developed as multi-purpose mobility hubs where visitors can "see, ride, and experience," and will be utilized as venues where people can actually feel and understand new ways of using and possibilities of PBVs.
By proposing integration with campervans and offering consultations for customization according to various uses, the appeal of the vehicle will be communicated as an "experiential showroom" that goes beyond mere vehicle sales.
Specifically, in fields such as outdoor activities, car camping, and mobile businesses, we will propose customizations that maximize the flexibility of PBVs, providing a "one-of-a-kind vehicle" optimized for the user's purpose.
About the BEV model "PV5"
"PV5" is a next-generation BEV model that forms the core of Kia's proposed PBV strategy, developed as a "platform-based mobility" that transcends the traditional concept of a "vehicle."
Its design philosophy allows for flexible changes to the body and internal structure according to its purpose, making it adaptable to diverse businesses and lifestyles such as logistics, commercial use, shuttle services, outdoor activities, and mobility services.
Furthermore, by adopting a dedicated EV platform, it combines high efficiency, durability, and expandability, and is evaluated as mobility contributing to a sustainable society.
Global Recognition and Awards
PV5 has been highly acclaimed for its innovation and practicality, receiving global recognition for its performance and advanced features, including the "Van of the Year" and "Compact Van of the Year" awards at the "What Van? Awards."
2026 What Van? Award Wins
"Van of the Year"
"Compact Van of the Year"
2026 International Van of the Year
2026 UK automotive media "Top Gear" Award
"Family Car of the Year"
PV5 Model Variations (KIA Types)
PV5 is available in multiple models according to purpose, each optimized for different scenarios.
■PV5 Passenger
3-number/5-seater
Leveraging the benefits of EV architecture, it secures a spacious interior. It can comfortably seat 5 adults and offers excellent ingress/egress due to its low-floor design. It supports a wide range of uses including shuttle services, family use, and tourism.
■PV5 Cargo
1-number/2-seater/barn door (5-door or 4-door)
This model is specialized for logistics use, with a low-floor design that allows for smooth loading and unloading of cargo. Its barn door structure also accommodates large cargo. Its quietness and efficiency, unique to EVs, make it ideal for urban delivery and last-mile logistics.
About Direct Cars Inc.
Company Name: Direct Cars Inc.
Headquarters: 3-4-1592 Isoyama, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture
Representative Director: Masato Momota
Business Activities: Campervan manufacturing, sales, and maintenance
Website: https://www.cars-drt.com/
Under this agreement, sales of the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) model "PV5" will commence in May 2026.
Background of the Agreement and Market Strategy
KIA Exterior Image
Kia PBV Japan Co., Ltd.'s business policy for FY2026 promotes sales strategies that cater to both BtoB and BtoC markets.
Furthermore, at the start of sales, nationwide expansion is planned for approximately 8 locations, with Direct Cars participating as a core dealer. Leveraging its customer base and proposal capabilities cultivated in the campervan business, Direct Cars will be responsible for creating a new market for PBVs.
Direct Cars plans to offer exhibitions and experiential opportunities for KIA PBV vehicles. These facilities will be developed as multi-purpose mobility hubs where visitors can "see, ride, and experience," and will be utilized as venues where people can actually feel and understand new ways of using and possibilities of PBVs.
By proposing integration with campervans and offering consultations for customization according to various uses, the appeal of the vehicle will be communicated as an "experiential showroom" that goes beyond mere vehicle sales.
Specifically, in fields such as outdoor activities, car camping, and mobile businesses, we will propose customizations that maximize the flexibility of PBVs, providing a "one-of-a-kind vehicle" optimized for the user's purpose.
About the BEV model "PV5"
"PV5" is a next-generation BEV model that forms the core of Kia's proposed PBV strategy, developed as a "platform-based mobility" that transcends the traditional concept of a "vehicle."
Its design philosophy allows for flexible changes to the body and internal structure according to its purpose, making it adaptable to diverse businesses and lifestyles such as logistics, commercial use, shuttle services, outdoor activities, and mobility services.
Furthermore, by adopting a dedicated EV platform, it combines high efficiency, durability, and expandability, and is evaluated as mobility contributing to a sustainable society.
Global Recognition and Awards
PV5 has been highly acclaimed for its innovation and practicality, receiving global recognition for its performance and advanced features, including the "Van of the Year" and "Compact Van of the Year" awards at the "What Van? Awards."
2026 What Van? Award Wins
"Van of the Year"
"Compact Van of the Year"
2026 International Van of the Year
2026 UK automotive media "Top Gear" Award
"Family Car of the Year"
PV5 Model Variations (KIA Types)
PV5 is available in multiple models according to purpose, each optimized for different scenarios.
■PV5 Passenger
3-number/5-seater
Leveraging the benefits of EV architecture, it secures a spacious interior. It can comfortably seat 5 adults and offers excellent ingress/egress due to its low-floor design. It supports a wide range of uses including shuttle services, family use, and tourism.
■PV5 Cargo
1-number/2-seater/barn door (5-door or 4-door)
This model is specialized for logistics use, with a low-floor design that allows for smooth loading and unloading of cargo. Its barn door structure also accommodates large cargo. Its quietness and efficiency, unique to EVs, make it ideal for urban delivery and last-mile logistics.
About Direct Cars Inc.
Company Name: Direct Cars Inc.
Headquarters: 3-4-1592 Isoyama, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture
Representative Director: Masato Momota
Business Activities: Campervan manufacturing, sales, and maintenance
Website: https://www.cars-drt.com/