Kia signs MoU to boost ride-hailing on Uber platform

Kia Corporation and Uber have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Kia’s planned development and deployment of purpose-built vehicles (PBVs). 

The MoU was signed at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA. 

With the goal of enhancing electric vehicle offerings available on Uber’s mobility platform and supporting the global ride hailing leader in achieving its 2040 zero-emission goal, the partnership will seek to produce Kia PBVs optimized for drivers and fleets as part of Kia’s ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ strategy in this field of the mobility market. 

 “PBVs will play a key role in the customization of mobility, and by partnering with Uber, Kia aims to deliver industry-leading technology with advanced software and services to enhance the ride-hailing experience,” President & CEO, Kia North America, and Kia America, SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, said. 

“Drivers on the Uber platform will also have the ability to choose Kia vehicles with a comprehensive suite of offerings that will ease the ramp-up of electrification and help achieve both Kia’s and Uber’s sustainability goals.” 

The intentions of the collaboration are for Kia to identify optimal specifications for PBV models, with the possible further integration of technology and services to benefit drivers and ride-hailing users alike.

The partnership’s goals also extend to the creation of proofs of concept, prototypes, and the production of PBVs tailored to the needs of drivers that use the Uber platform. 

“PBVs will play a key role in the transformation of mobility. This collaboration will enhance Kia’s PBV development, with optimized vehicles for drivers’ and riders’ needs,” said Sangdae Kim, Head of PBV Division, Kia.

“This will focus on advanced software and services, with the integration of interactive In-Vehicle Infotainment and advanced safety technology.” 

New driver and passenger experiences could be facilitated through the development of optimized operational solutions, building connected car experiences for all. Personalized riding environments, including climate and sound control, and interactive rear-seat entertainment systems, may also follow. 

Kia and Uber will collaborate on ways to moderate the total cost of vehicle ownership by analyzing the various PBV options and potential Battery-as-a-service (BaaS) subscription offerings to reduce initial vehicle purchase costs.