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NEWS

Kia and Kakao Mobility

Collaborate for Innovation in Mobility

Kia Corporation and Kakao Mobility announced that they software platform of Kakao Mobility. In addition, the
have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a collaboration is expected to establish advanced ride-
ride-hailing business model for advanced mobility services. hailing models that can evolve the mobility service market
Kia will develop special purpose vehicle (PBV) models that by providing highly personalized mobility solutions for
reflect the needs of software service offerings provided by numerous types of customers.
Kakao Mobility, scheduled for release in 2025.
“We are confident that the collaboration will create the
The parties, including Kia’s President and CEO Ho Sung optimum synergies through Kia’s mobility technologies,
Song, Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business including our leadership in PBVs, and Kakao Mobility’s
Division Hyug Ho Kwon, and Senior Vice President and expertise in software and platforms,” CEO Song said.
Head of the eLCV Business Division Sangdae Kim, as well “These synergies can create new value in the mobility
as Kakao Mobility’s CEO Alex Ryu, Executive Vice President service market and further accelerate Kia’s rapid
Matthew Ahn, and Senior Vice President Christopher transformation to a sustainable mobility solutions
Chang, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for provider.”
the project at Kia’s headquarters in Seoul.
These synergies can create new value
“Expected to bring more insight” Through the collaborative partnership in Korea, Kia
Under the agreement, Kia will develop customized PBVs and Kakao Mobility will complete the development of
using operation data of vehicles to meet the specific a standardized service model for ride-hailing. The two
requirements of Kakao Mobility’s ride-hailing services. parties will then expand their services to various industries,
68 The developed PBVs are expected to continue to capture including the lease and logistics sectors and areas for
transporting passengers with specific needs, broadening
operation data during their partnership, bringing further
insights. Kia plans to reflect various solutions developed Kia and Kakao Mobility’s offering to global markets.
through this cooperation with Kakao Mobility in its future In April of this year, Kia celebrated a milestone moment
dedicated PBV models, planned for launch in 2025. with the groundbreaking ceremony of the new dedicated
The two companies also intend to collaborate on planning plant for its PBVs in Korea. The facility is set to begin mass
specialized services linking software and vehicle data production in the latter half of 2025, with an initial capacity
for Kia’s dedicated PBVs. The service includes enabling of 150,000 units for the first full year, and room for further
interaction between in-vehicle-infotainment and the expansion in response to evolving market trends.