Kia, a South Korean brand with American ownership, isn't just a car company. It's an automaker with a specific mission and identity. According to its own description, Kia sells purpose-built vehicles — cars and trucks built for specific tasks — rather than the commodity cars that most companies roll off assembly lines. In other words, it doesn't see itself as a car company but as a part of the burgeoning "sustainable mobility solutions provider" industry that includes ride-hailing networks and bike-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.
In 2025, Kia promises a specialized lineup of PBVs, with each model providing a unique function and application. The company is now initiating the process by transforming existing models for specific uses. The Niro Plus is at the front of the pack. The vehicle is aimed at taxi drivers and ride-hailing services, yet it is designed as a standard model for private owners.
In addition to being sold in Korea, Kia plans to sell the Niro Plus crossover in other markets, including Australia. It will be available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and an all-electric (EV) model. A taxi variant based on the EV model will be available.
To increase the number of passengers and cargo that can be carried, the vehicle has thinner door cards and seats, and to guarantee passenger safety, the car's designers added grab handles above the B-pillars as well as door reflectors.
In addition to the standard features included in the taxi version, Kia will install a multifunction display that includes a digital tachograph, taximeter, and navigation. Voice control and over-the-air updates are also supported.
Kia plans for the first dedicated plug-in vehicle (PBV) to enter production in 2025. It will be with a midsize design that offers "scalable" technology. The vehicle is part of an ambitious plan to make Kia the market leader among companies producing Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles by 2030.
This improved version of the Korean auto manufacturer's most successful EV provides more driving range, more luggage space, and more charging options for those operating taxi services or providing ride-hailing.
Protecting your car's interior is an important but often overlooked part of maintaining the value and look of your vehicle. The interior is where we spend a lot of our time and effectively all our time with our vehicles is spent inside them, so it's easy to forget that spills and stains can get ground into the upholstery if they're not cleaned up quickly.
However, this can be especially challenging if you work in a profession where you have to transport people. For those operating taxi services or providing ride-hailing, keeping the interior in pristine conditions is a priority thing. Not only do you want your customers to feel like they are riding in style, but also you want to keep the resale value as high as possible for when it finally comes time to move on to another vehicle.
With Coverking's custom-fit seat covers, floor mats, and dash covers, we make protecting your car's interior from wear and tear easier than ever before. Our interior protective products are designed with advanced textiles and materials that provide superior protection against dirt, spills, stains, and more. Each product is made specifically for your model year and seat configuration so that they fit snugly around each component of your interior.
