This file photo provided by Kia Corp. shows the company’s electric vehicle (EV) plant in Gwangmyeong, just south of Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 6 (Korea Bizwire) — Kia Corp. on Thursday partnered with Gyeonggi Province and the city of Hwaseong to develop an ecosystem for the future mobility industry in the region, with a focus on the automaker’s purpose-built vehicles (PBVs).
Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed at Kia Autoland Hwaseong, Kia will proceed with the construction of the world’s first dedicated PBV plant, the Hwaseong EVO Plant, while Gyeonggi Province and Hwaseong will support regulatory approvals and infrastructure improvements.
An MOU signing ceremony was attended by Kia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Song Ho-sung, Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon and Hwaseong Mayor Chung Myung-geun.
According to Kia, the partnership aligns with its future mobility vision and the local governments’ goal of transforming into a hub for future mobility innovation.
Kia and the local governments will also cooperate on vehicle-to-grid charging infrastructure development to promote a sustainable energy ecosystem.
Additionally, the three will collaborate on securing national projects and identifying new business models to stimulate the mobility sector. They also plan to develop PBV-based mobility services to enhance local transportation convenience.
“With Kia’s innovative technology, we aim to support Gyeonggi Province and Hwaseong in becoming key centers for the future mobility industry,” Song said.
Gov. Kim said the province will actively support companies in their new ventures in Gyeonggi Province.
(Yonhap)
