Kia Niro gains purpose-built taxi model for Korea

The Kia Niro now has a taxi variant, which kick-starts the firm’s go into the purpose-designed vehicle (PBV) current market. 

Termed the Kia Niro Furthermore, the taxi is based on the initially-era Kia Niro EV (formerly named the Kia e-Niro). 

It is 10mm longer and 80mm taller than the regular Niro in a bid to enhance interior house. Kia says a great deal of the interior trim has been slimmed down, with thinner seats and door trims. Doorway reflectors and support handles have also been included for enhanced basic safety and accessibility. 

The driver gains an integrated, all-in-a single show that, according to Kia, increases basic safety and convenience and gets rid of the need for several equipment and displays. On-display screen information includes navigation, a electronic tachograph, voice recognition and a taxi meter application. 

Kia states it’s aiming to grow to be a chief in the PBV market place by 2030. The car or truck maker’s initial bespoke PBV is planned for introduction in 2025 and will be appropriate with quite a few different product shapes and measurements. 

Sangdae Kim, manager of Kia’s eLCV enterprise division, stated: “Kia is transforming its business enterprise approach to emphasis on popularising EVs, and introducing new mobility goods that are tailor-made to the wants of consumers in marketplaces all over the planet. 

“The Niro As well as is our initially phase into the earth of PBVs, a industry that holds good possible for foreseeable future enhancement.”  

There are presently no programs for the Niro In addition to appear to possibly the British isles or mainland Europe, whilst Kia states other markets are staying deemed. 

A non-taxi model of the Niro Furthermore, applied for company and leisure demands, will access overseas marketplaces afterwards this 12 months. Gentle- and plug-in hybrid variants are also established to come to be obtainable.