Kia & Red Sea Global Launch PBV Pilot for Sustainable Mobility

Kia and Red Sea Global Launch PBV Pilot and Explore Long-term Mobility Partnership

Kia Corporation has taken another major step in its mission to redefine mobility by joining forces with Red Sea Global (RSG), one of Saudi Arabia’s leading sustainable real estate developers. The two organizations have officially launched a pilot program that introduces Kia’s next-generation Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) technology into Saudi Arabia’s flagship tourism destinations – The Red Sea and AMAALA.

At the heart of this pilot is the Kia PV5 Passenger, a purpose-built electric vehicle designed with flexibility, modularity, and efficiency in mind. Through this collaboration, Kia and RSG aim to set new standards for eco-conscious travel, showcasing how innovation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

A New Mobility Era for Tourism and Hospitality

The pilot project marks the beginning of a broader partnership, starting with the deployment of the PV5 in real-world service scenarios. From airport-to-resort transfers to inter-resort transport and fleet operations, the PV5 is being tested to demonstrate how sustainable vehicles can enhance guest experiences while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

For Red Sea Global, this pilot builds on their commitment to responsible development. The company already operates a 100% solar-powered land fleet, and the addition of Kia’s PBVs allows them to explore cutting-edge ways to move guests and staff through some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Intelligent, Adaptable, and Future-Ready

The Kia PV5 is more than just an electric vehicle. It represents a new generation of mobility solutions:

• Modular Design: Interiors can be configured to meet diverse needs – from passenger transfers to cargo logistics.
• Connected Systems: Integrated software ensures seamless coordination, improving both safety and efficiency.
• Eco-Friendly Operations: As a fully electric PBV, the PV5 reduces emissions while providing a smoother and quieter ride.

To ensure smooth adoption, Kia has conducted on-site inspections, product training, and technical support for RSG’s operations team. Local Kia distributors will remain actively involved, ensuring the vehicles are fully optimized for the unique demands of luxury resort environments.

Leadership Perspectives

Hokeun Chung, Executive VP and Head of Future Strategy at Hyundai Motor Group, highlighted the importance of this initiative:

“Saudi Arabia is a strategically important market for us, and we are proud to collaborate with Red Sea Global through the PBV Pilot. In the mid-to-long term, this partnership will explore smart city technologies, robotics, and connected solutions, supporting RSG’s vision of building the world’s most advanced sustainable destinations.”

Hans Aksel Pedersen, Group Head of Operations at Red Sea Global, reinforced the alignment of values:

“Our guest land fleet is already powered entirely by sunlight, and with Kia’s PBV program, we’re testing the next level of eco-conscious travel. Together, we’re reimagining mobility across destinations that set global benchmarks for sustainability and luxury.”

Looking Ahead: From PV5 to PV9

This collaboration is more than a single pilot. Kia and RSG are already evaluating long-term opportunities, including:

• Optimizing the PV5 Cargo variant for resort logistics.
• Developing custom PBV versions designed specifically for luxury hospitality.
• Exploring deployment of future PBVs such as the PV7 (2027) and PV9 (2029).

Kia aims to sell 250,000 PBVs globally by 2030, creating a software-driven ecosystem of scalable, sustainable mobility solutions.

A Shared Vision for Sustainable Travel

By bringing together Kia’s next-generation mobility technology and Red Sea Global’s pioneering sustainable developments, this partnership reflects a blueprint for the future of tourism and smart cities.

The PV5 pilot is not just about testing a new vehicle – it’s about reimagining how people move, connect, and experience destinations while caring for the planet. With both organizations committed to long-term collaboration, the road ahead looks set to deliver mobility that is not only smarter and cleaner but also deeply aligned with environmental and cultural values.

???? In the fast-evolving mobility landscape, partnerships like this showcase how innovation, sustainability, and luxury can coexist. For the Gulf region and beyond, it’s a glimpse into a future where cars are more than vehicles – they’re an integral part of building regenerative, connected, and eco-friendly communities.