A new name has been etched into the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) trophy—one that marks a pivotal moment for the global light commercial vehicle landscape. For the first time, Kia has secured the industry’s most coveted honour, with its forward-thinking PV5 earning unanimous support from all 26 members of the IVOTY jury. The win signals not only a milestone for the South Korean manufacturer, but a significant shift in the competitive dynamics of the LCV sector.
A Breakthrough for Kia’s PBV Vision
The PV5 is more than another electric van—it is the first real-world embodiment of Kia’s new PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) strategy. Built on the dedicated E-GMP.S skateboard-style platform, the PV5 blends modular design with fully electric performance, offering a versatile solution that adapts to modern business needs.
This modularity is exactly what captured the jury’s attention. As the LCV segment accelerates its transition to electrification and digitalised fleet ecosystems, the PV5 arrives as a purpose-built answer to emerging logistical demands rather than an electrified adaptation of an existing combustion platform.
A podium shaped by new entrants
Kia’s victory came in a year marked by intense competition and significant innovation from several global brands. China’s Farizon secured an impressive second place with its new SV model—an achievement that highlights the growing presence of Asian manufacturers on the European commercial vehicle stage.
Rounding out the top three was Ford’s E-Transit Courier, while other shortlisted contenders included the Volkswagen Transporter, the latest Crafter, the MAN TGE, the Ford Transit Connect PHEV, and the updated Ford E-Transit.
Even among such a strong field, the PV5 stood out convincingly.
Recognition at Solutrans 2025
The award was officially presented at the Solutrans 2025 Gala Banquet at EurExpo in Lyon. Handing over the trophy, IVOTY Chairman Jarlath Sweeney praised Kia’s accomplishment and the broader momentum coming from Asia’s automotive innovators.
“Well done to Kia on winning the 34th International Van of the Year Award for 2026,” he said. “The PV5 is the first of a batch of new light commercial models due from the Korean brand in the next few years, so we will hear a lot more from Kia in due course. As we know Kia cars have won numerous accolades, now it’s the deserved turn for its new van division.”
Sweeney also acknowledged the rising influence of Asian manufacturers, adding: “Interestingly, it was another new brand from Asia as in Farizon with its SV model that secured the runner-up spot, and we welcome this Geely Group brand into the European market.”
A milestone celebrated by Kia leadership
The award was accepted on stage by Marc Hedrich, President & CEO of Kia Europe, and Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the PBV Division at Kia Corporation—two key figures behind the company’s strategic push into purpose-built mobility.
Hedrich highlighted the PV5’s rapid accumulation of industry recognition even ahead of its European commercial rollout:
“While we always believed in the Kia PV5 ever since its launch, we are humbled by its acknowledgement. Earlier this year the PV5 Concept earned Red Dot Design recognition. Just a few weeks ago, we set a Guinness World Record, proving the PV5’s real-world capability and advanced engineering. Winning the prestigious International Van of the Year Award is a true honour and a strong endorsement from some of the most respected journalists in the LCV industry—especially as the first vehicles are just arriving in Europe.”
He added that the win reinforces Kia’s ambition to strengthen its presence as a leading mobility solutions provider, crediting both the jury and Kia’s global employees for their role in the achievement.
Kim emphasised the significance of this moment for Kia’s PBV division:
“In 2022, we launched our PBV division with a clear ambition: to redefine the LCV market through innovation, something Kia has always stood for. The Kia PV5 brings that vision to life, and receiving the International Van of the Year Award with our very first PBV model confirms we are heading in the right direction. The PV5 has been developed by actively listening to customer voices, with every detail thoughtfully designed to meet real-world business needs.”
A defining moment for the electric LCV sector
Kia’s victory with the PV5 marks more than an award—it reflects a broader shift in how commercial vehicles are being conceptualised, engineered, and deployed. With electrification accelerating and logistics operators demanding smarter, more adaptive solutions, the PV5 positions Kia at the forefront of the next evolution in professional mobility.
As the PBV lineup expands, the industry is set to hear much more from Kia. But for now, the PV5 stands as a symbol of what the future of light commercial transport can look like—purpose-built, modular, electric, and ready for real-world business.
