Kia will invest 3 trillion won (US$2.2 billion) through 2029 in Gwangju, South Korea, to establish an ecosystem for purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) and advanced mobility services. The program covers AutoLand Gwangju, where Kia plans to expand its development and production base, add new model lines and increase electrified-vehicle output. Kia will convert Gwangju No. 3 to build a new electric SUV under the project name NV in 2029, while Gwangju No. 2 is scheduled to produce the successor to the Sportage in 2027. Kia signed a memorandum of understanding with Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City, Chonnam National University and the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology to develop PBVs for demand-responsive transport, test autonomous PBV shuttles and demonstrate remote driving with the PV5 wheelchair-accessible vehicle. The partners will also test Easy Swap, which enables vehicles to switch between passenger and cargo configurations, and cooperate on climate-response measures and renewable energy. Kia said the partnership is intended to strengthen the region’s PBV industry and accelerate advanced mobility services. The plan forms part of Hyundai Motor Group’s broader commitment to invest 125 trillion won domestically by 2030, including 50 trillion won in new businesses such as artificial intelligence, software-defined vehicles and robotics.