Kia launched the first purpose-built mobility vehicle, the ‘2024 Niro Plus’, on the 8th.
Developed based on the first generation Niro EV, the Niro Plus marked the official start of Kia’s PBV (Purpose-Built Vehicle) initiative since its debut in late May last year, selling 4,700 units within six months starting from June to December, and has received much love from customers.
Kia reflected customer feedback from those who purchased the Niro Plus, making adjustments and adding new specifications to better suit its intended use in the 2024 model.
The 2024 Niro Plus includes equipment to enhance driving convenience such as ▲Cruise Control ▲Electronic Rearview Mirror ▲High-Pass Automatic Payment System, which are standard in both the taxi and business models.
Considering the characteristics of the taxi model, where rear passengers frequently get in and out and the boarding time is often short, a feature was added to the second-row heated seat that turns off automatically after 20 minutes to reduce unnecessary power consumption. Additionally, the business model includes a center armrest in the second row and a safety power window for the passenger side to enhance usability in various situations.
The prices for the 2024 Niro Plus are as follows: ▲Taxi Light Trim KRW 46 million, Air Trim KRW 47.5 million ▲Business Air Trim KRW 47.55 million, Earth Trim KRW 48.5 million (※ Based on tax benefits and reflecting an individual consumption tax of 3.5%).
Kia operates the ‘Kia EV Members Taxi’ for electric taxi customers. This service is the first of its kind in Korea, providing various benefits to operators of personal taxis among Kia electric vehicle customers, such as the KakaoT Blue membership fee, restaurant coupons, and taxi-specific products.
A Kia representative stated, “The Niro Plus is Kia’s first PBV, gaining significant popularity since its launch in May last year for both personal and corporate taxis, as well as for corporate vehicles. The 2024 Niro Plus enhances its product value to meet consumer needs and will lead the expanding PBV market through various services in the future.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr