Kia’s view of functional environmentally friendly vehicles
Kia recently unveiled two all-new customised concept vehicles at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.
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Imagined by designers from Kia Design Centre America, the concepts bring to life an easy-to-imagine future where vehicles will provide the ultimate in capability, adaptability, utility and organisation, all with an eye on sustainability.
This truly unique all-electric three-row SUV is designed to take life well beyond the beaten path – and conquer it. Built for serious fun, the EV9 SUV has been refined into the most adventurous SUV Kia has ever imagined.
With custom front and rear facias for a unique and rugged look and reinforced rocker panels for increased capability and character, the EV9 ADVNTR EV SUV also features a three-inch lift compared to the standard EV9 and a rugged tyre and wheel combination to maximise the vehicle’s off-road capability.
Based on Kia’s recently debuted line of EV PBVs, or Purpose Beyond Vehicles, designed for small business and delivery functionality, the PV5 is a highly capable van allowing expression of your lifestyle wherever it may take you. Lifted and equipped with off-road tyres, it is an ideal escape pod for extended weekends in nature.
The PV5 WKNDR EV VAN features a highly flexible and adaptable modular interior that can be easily and efficiently customised to maximise space and function – akin to a Swiss Army Knife on wheels. The van’s “Gear Head” feature is the first-of-its-kind storage solution that provides an off-board, sheltered storage space for gear when the vehicle is stationary, allowing for maximum utilisation of interior space while still offering easy access to gear outside.
The PV5 WKNDR EV VAN’s “Gear Head” can also be transformed into a mobile pantry for cooking afficionados who want to “Cook with a View”. Truly self-sufficient, the PV5 WKNDR EV VAN features solar panels and unique hydro turbine wheels that can recharge the batteries for many uses.
For example, Kia installed an onboard compressor to handle needs for inflation, from adjusting tyre pressure when out on the trail to inflating space-efficient mattresses when setting up camp for the night.
“Kia’s rugged and capable utility vehicles have long been known for being versatile, adaptable and comfortable to suit the needs of a wide range of consumers. We wanted to ‘level up’ the functionality and capability by developing these concepts that take those legendary attributes to the next level,” says Steven Centre, COO & EVP, Kia America.
“Our vehicles already help people live their active and adventurous lifestyles and it was fun to see just how far we could go with these latest concepts. The SEMA Show acts as a blank canvas for creativity and offers a glimpse into what Kia’s automotive future may hold.”
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
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Audi is preparing to roll out its biggest SUV yet in the United States (US) this summer, betting that demand for high-end, three-row models will hold up even as trade tensions threaten to raise import costs.
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Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) welcomes the government’s extension of short term fuel levy relief measures aimed at cushioning consumers from rising fuel prices, but cautions that these interventions do not address the underlying structural challenge facing South Africa’s transport economy.
Volvo Cars has started building the fully electric EX60 at its Torslanda factory outside Gothenburg, with first customer deliveries due in early summer.