Plans for a network of Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) centres across the country, designed to exclusively sell and service its new range of Kia PV5 professional business vans have been unveiled.
These specialised hubs, set to be fully operational by late 2025, will align with the initial UK deliveries of the PV5, marking a significant step in Kia’s expansion into the commercial vehicle market.
The PBV centres will cater specifically to the needs of commercial vehicle operators, offering dedicated facilities including sales showrooms, service receptions, high-capacity vehicle ramps and specialist tools.
Staffed by trained sales teams, technicians and service advisors, these centres will ensure efficient support for customers.
Selected partners, many with existing expertise in Kia’s fleet operations or multi-brand commercial vehicle sites, will manage the network.
These will include standalone sites, multi-brand van centres and existing Kia locations.
Kia PV5 electric commercial vehicle
The Kia PV5, the firm’s first fully electric commercial vehicle, was launched at the CV Show on 1 May, where pricing and specifications were unveiled.
Available in Cargo, Passenger, Crew, Chassis Cab and WAV variants, the PV5 starts at £27,645 (+VAT) for the Cargo L2/H1 model.
There’s also a £5,000 reduction via the government’s OZEV Plug-in Van Grant.
Each model comes with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Kia aims to sell 3,000–4,000 PV5 units in the first year, with ambitions to reach 17,000 annual PBV sales by 2030.
New PBV centre network
Paul Philpott, the president and chief executive of Kia UK, said: “The new PBV centre network will be built on the back of our successful partnership with our dealer network and the vast majority of our new PBV Centres will be managed by an existing partner.”
He highlighted the franchise model’s success in Kia’s car business, which will be adapted to ensure top-tier service for commercial customers.
Pre-orders for the PV5 Cargo and Passenger models are now open, with deliveries expected in Q4 2025.
Customers can find more details at Kia’s dedicated PBV website.
Farizon to launch flagship electric van site in London
Meanwhile, Jameel Motors UK, the distributor for Farizon’s all-electric SV large van, has announced a new flagship retail site in London’s Park Royal industrial area.
A temporary sales office will open in July, with a fully refurbished 3,340 m² facility, including a modern showroom and high-voltage workshop with three service bays, set to launch in September.
The site, previously a premium car dealership, will display the complete Farizon SV range and offer space for new and used stock.
Alongside the Park Royal development, Jameel Motors has partnered with Heathrow Van Centre in west London and SMV Commercials Yeovil in south-west England to form the initial phase of a nationwide franchise network.
Both dealers, experienced in commercial vehicle sales, are now accepting test drive bookings and providing full sales, aftersales and parts services.