- Pilot agreement between Kia and Red Sea Global focuses on Kia’s Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs) and integrated mobility ecosystem.
- Kia to supply the PV5 passenger model for testing across various RSG locations, with full support including inspections, training, and distributor expertise.
- Future collaboration includes evaluation of the upcoming PV7 and expanding use cases to include logistics and luxury resort operations.
Riyadh, 29 September 2025 – Kia has entered into a pilot agreement with Red Sea Global (RSG), initially signed in May 2025, to supply the next generation of electric vehicles, starting with the Kia PV5. These vehicles, developed under Kia’s global PBV (Purpose-Built Vehicle) strategy, combine commercial utility with scalable adaptability, supporting sustainable and future-focused mobility.
As part of the pilot program, Kia will provide PV5 passenger vehicles to RSG for local testing in key service scenarios, including transportation from airports to resorts, inter-resort mobility, and broader fleet operations. While the initial deployment will focus on Saudi Arabia’s flagship destinations – The Red Sea and AMAALA – the partnership will extend beyond these sites, serving as a broader platform to explore innovative mobility solutions, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to achieve a net-zero emissions society.
Flexible, High-Performance Vehicles for Hospitality and Tourism
Kia’s PBVs are engineered for adaptability and operational efficiency, combining electric mobility with advanced software systems and modular interior designs, offering versatile solutions for the hospitality and tourism industries.
To ensure seamless integration, Kia has conducted on-site inspections and is currently providing product training and technical guidance to RSG teams. Kia’s certified distributors will maintain close engagement throughout the trial period, offering hands-on support and localized expertise at both destinations.
Executive Insights and Strategic Vision
Haekon Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of Future Strategy at Hyundai Motor Group, stated:
“Saudi Arabia is a strategically important market for Hyundai Motor Group, and we are excited to launch our collaboration with Red Sea Global through this PBV pilot project. In the medium to long term, we plan to explore new business opportunities together involving innovative smart city technologies – from in-vehicle solutions to data and robotics. We look forward to supporting RSG’s vision of a smart, ultra-luxurious, and environmentally friendly city with broader smart city solutions powered by our expertise.”
Hans Axel Pedersen, Chief Operating Officer at Red Sea Global, added:
“At RSG, we are committed to setting new standards in responsible development and sustainable operations. Our guest land fleet already runs on 100% solar energy, and this pilot with Kia allows us to test the latest eco-friendly mobility solutions at our destinations. Together, we are reimagining how people move and connect with some of the most exceptional places on Earth.”
Ahmad Soudodi, Head of Product Marketing at Kia Middle East & Africa, commented:
“This collaboration is a natural fit, driven by a shared ambition to transform the future of mobility through innovation, sustainability, and deep customer experience understanding. By combining Kia’s next-gen PBV technology with RSG’s leading approach to responsible development, we are creating smarter, cleaner, and more connected journeys across the region.”
A Long-Term Commitment to Sustainable Development
Looking ahead, Kia and RSG are exploring enhancements to the PV5 cargo variant to support resort logistics, and even a custom PV5 edition tailored to the unique requirements of luxury resort and hospitality operations. With multiple configurations, convertible features, and a fully connected system, the PV5 is built to meet the diverse needs of businesses worldwide, in line with Kia’s vision for sustainable mobility.
This pilot agreement builds on the long-standing commitment of both parties to responsible development and sustainable growth. As a leader in regenerative tourism, RSG is driving a global shift in how destinations are developed, operated, and experienced, with a focus on environmental stewardship, cultural significance, and community impact. At the same time, Kia continues to expand its role as a provider of sustainable mobility solutions, supporting the transition to clean, smart, and integrated transport systems.
The agreement follows a strategic MOU signed in March 2024 between Hyundai Motor Group and Red Sea Global, reflecting a shared vision to open new horizons in sustainable tourism, innovation, and guest experiences through advanced mobility solutions.
This initiative is overseen by Hyundai Motor Group’s Smart City Innovation Group, the general coordinator for smart city projects in Saudi Arabia. Kia serves as the official OEM and mobility partner, while RSG is the leading developer and operator of tourism destinations along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
Based on the PV5 initiative, Kia and RSG will also evaluate long-term partnership opportunities, including the potential deployment of the upcoming PV7 – Kia’s large PBV designed for high-capacity use, expected to launch in 2027. Kia will also release the PV9 in 2029, aiming to sell 250,000 PBVs globally by 2030 and establish a scalable, software-driven mobility ecosystem.
This collaboration marks a major step forward in delivering purpose-driven innovation, where smart mobility paves the way for a new era of sustainable travel and operational excellence.
