Kia is teaming with Geotab and 42dot to develop an advanced fleet management system (FMS) for its new range of eagerly anticipated commercial vehicles.
The Korean automaker has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Canadian data provider and the software arm of the Hyundai Motor Group to initiate the partnership.
The news coincides with the European debut of the PBVs – previously hailed as Purpose Built Vehicles, but now considered the Platform Beyond Vehicle range – at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover, Germany.
According to the companies, the collaboration will seek to “integrate advanced data solutions with enhanced in-vehicle technology to deliver innovative systems that support safety, sustainability and efficiency for fleets worldwide.”
Kia’s PBV master plan has been heavily previewed over the past couple of years, most notably at CES in January, where the company explained how it has developed a modular EV platform for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) that can be adapted to different wheelbase lengths to accommodate a range of vehicle sizes and body types for maximum flexibility.
Part of the PBV business strategy revolves around the idea of offering software solutions integrated into the vehicle with the FMS as the core differentiating factor.
As such, Geotab and 42dot will work together to develop a system powered by AI that will allow Kia fleet customers to benefit from sophisticated data insights via a white label management platform.
PBV users can expect access to a driver app, in-vehicle infotainment integration, advanced routing with automated charging stop recommendations and Digital Key functionality, which delivers remote and shared access to the vehicle.
Credit: Kia
Services from the Kia Charge network will also be integrated, making it easy for managers to oversee charging locations, as well as contracts and invoices, while there will even be the option to bring other branded vehicles into the platform.
And the condition of the vehicles on the fleet will constantly be monitored thanks to the availability of real-time data.
“As Kia PBVs will be the most technologically advanced LCVs available, we want to enhance every aspect of the customer experience through advanced connectivity,” said Marc Hedrich, president of Kia in Europe. “This extends to having flexible data solutions that enable easy integration in multi-brand fleets without the need for additional hardware.”
Louis De Jong, chief revenue officer at Geotab, added: “By integrating our data insights and AI capabilities with Kia’s automotive technology and 42dot’s data expertise, customers will receive enhanced value for their operations including access to quality data insights that drive improved cost management, safety and sustainability. This exciting collaboration is advancing the connected mobility industry.”
Kia showed the PV5 People Mover concept, PV5 High Roof concept and larger PV7 concept at Hanover, where it also announced all PBVs would be backed by a seven-year, 90,000 mile warranty. The vehicles will be built at a new plant being developed in South Korea at a cost of $3 billion, as part of a wider $16 billion investment on future tech from parent company Hyundai.
