(C) Kia

LYON, France  – Kia’s mid-sized electric Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV), the PV5, has been honored with the prestigious ‘2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY)’ award. The announcement was made on November 19 (local time) at the Solutrans commercial vehicle exhibition in Lyon, France.

This victory is a historic moment, as Kia becomes the first Korean brand to win the award in its 34-year history. It also marks the first time an Asian electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) has claimed the top spot. The selection, overseen by IVOTY—a non-profit organization comprised of LCV journalists from across Europe—was a unanimous decision by all 26 judging panel members. This unprecedented consensus in a field traditionally dominated by European brands is expected to significantly accelerate the PV5’s global market entry.

The 'International Van of the Year' award, established in 1992, is recognized as the most authoritative accolade in the LCV industry, recognizing the most innovative vehicle launched during the year.

The PV5 successfully overcame strong global contenders, including the Ford E-Transit Courier, Volkswagen Crafter, and the FariSun SV. The judges assessed the finalists—which commenced sales in at least 12 countries—on various criteria, including technological innovation, efficiency, safety, environmental performance, and sustainability.

Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of IVOTY, praised the winner, stating, “The PV5 impressed the jury with its outstanding performance, efficient electric platform, and user-centric design. The unanimous vote by all 26 judges proves the PV5 sets a new standard for practical innovation in the electric commercial vehicle market.”

The PV5 is Kia’s inaugural PBV model, built on the dedicated electric PBV platform, ‘E-GMP.S.’ This architecture features a flat floor, spacious interior and cargo area, and a structure that easily accommodates various upper body configurations, allowing for flexible lineup expansion.

Song Ho-sung, President of Kia, highlighted the significance of the win: “We have striven to lead EV innovation for a long time, and the PV5 extends this commitment into the commercial vehicle sector. This award is particularly meaningful as the PV5 is the result of manufacturing innovation, including a combined ‘Conveyor and Cell’ production system enabling multi-product flexible manufacturing.” He added that the PV5’s debut victory affirms Kia’s commitment to redefine the global LCV market and usher in a smart, sustainable mobility future for businesses worldwide.

The PV5 launched in the domestic Korean market in June with Passenger and Cargo Long models. Kia plans to introduce additional variants—including Open Bed, Cargo Compact, and Cargo High Roof—from next year. Furthermore, the company will expand its PBV ecosystem with the sequential mass production of larger PBVs, such as the PV7, starting in 2027 at the newly inaugurated Hwaseong Evo Plant West.

The IVOTY win continues Kia's remarkable run of global awards, following the EV6 GT’s 'World Performance Car' in 2023, the EV9’s 'World Car of the Year' and 'World Electric Vehicle' in 2024, and the EV3’s 'World Car of the Year' in 2025, cementing the brand’s leadership in electrified mobility.

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