Header: Courtesy of Kia Europe GmbH
Kia Corporation has recently presented their very own installation at Milan Design Week, having focused on the brand’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) and electric vehicle (EV) models. The installation, titled “Transcend Journey”, featured a series of design elements and vehicle concepts exploring the relationship between urban and outdoor environments.
The installation
The installation was organized into two primary zones, with a twisting sculptural form, based on Kia’s “Opposites United” design approach, serving as a central element that connects the spaces. The exhibition included the following vehicles:
- The Kia PV5 Passenger, designed for personal and business use across urban and outdoor settings.
- The Kia Concept EV2, designed as a compact electric vehicle, features elements that reference urban leisure activities.
- The Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept is a concept vehicle designed for outdoor use, featuring adaptable features for various leisure activities.
The two exhibition zones presented distinct environments: the Concept EV2 Zone included a staged urban picnic setting with blue-toned picnic items placed alongside the vehicle; the PV5 Zone featured the PV5 and PV5 WKNDR, accompanied by artwork and outdoor-themed displays; and the WKNDR area included plants, camping equipment, Helinox furniture, and a pop-up coffee booth.
Collaboration
The installation was developed in partnership with Helinox, a manufacturer of lightweight outdoor equipment. The central sculpture was constructed using materials sourced from Helinox and its parent company, Dong-A Aluminium (DAC), including aluminium poles and 3D-printed joints from LinkSolution. The structure was designed for scalability and ease of assembly, reflecting modularity as a key theme of the PBV platform.
The PV5 WKNDR zone integrated Helinox camping chairs, tarps, and the Potler coffee booth. Potler, a South Korean coffee brand, contributed a pop-up service featuring a s’more kit and drip-bag coffee. A Kia-Potler postcard was included as part of the booth presentation.
The Concept EV2 display incorporates picnic and outdoor accessories from Helinox, positioned to complement the vehicle’s compact form and intended use scenarios.
About Kia PV5
The Kia PV5 is the first production model developed under Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy. It is based on the Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), a dedicated battery-electric architecture that supports multiple body configurations. The PV5 lineup includes Passenger, Cargo, and Chassis Cab variants.
Key specifications:
- Electric driving range of up to 400 km.
- 30-minute fast-charging capability.
- Modular body combinations for varying commercial and private uses.
- Market availability is planned for Korea and Europe in the second half of 2025, with expansion to other regions to follow.
The PV5 Passenger model, featured in the installation, includes a spacious interior with flexible three-row seating. Configurations include options such as a 2-3-0 layout for increased luggage space or a 1-2-3 layout for additional seating. The model also features a lift-up tailgate and the AddGear platform, which supports the installation of accessories.
About Kia PV5 WKNDR
The PV5 WKNDR Concept is a variant of the PV5 platform designed for outdoor leisure activities. It features off-road tyres, solar panels, and hydro turbine wheels that support battery recharging. The interior is modular and can be reconfigured to accommodate various needs.
One feature of the WKNDR is the “Gear Head”, an external storage system that provides sheltered off-board storage when the vehicle is stationary. This component can also function as a mobile pantry for outdoor cooking.
About Kia Concept EV2
The Kia Concept EV2 is an all-electric B-segment SUV, introduced as a preview of a future production model. The vehicle’s interior features flexible seating arrangements, rear-hinged doors, a flat floor, and a wide tailgate, all designed to facilitate easy access and loading.
Design features include:
- Pop-up luggage dividers.
- LED message lighting for pedestrian communication.
- Removable triangular speakers for adaptable audio use.
The interior materials and finishes reflect the brand’s focus on modularity and adaptability, with extra integrated LED lighting and bright colour accents.
