Kia and Samsung Announce Strategic IoT Partnership to Elevate PBV Experience

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Kia Corporation has forged a strategic partnership with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., to roll out next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for its Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs). This alliance was cemented with a Memorandum of Understanding during Kia's 2025 EV Day in Spain, signalling a significant shift in enhancing both the In-Vehicle and Out-of-Vehicle experiences for PBV users.

Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia’s PBV Division, and Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President of Samsung Electronics's B2B Integrated Offering Centre, attended the signing ceremony. This collaboration supports Kia’s broader Platform Beyond Vehicle strategy, which aims to transform PBVs from merely transport solutions into bespoke business solutions that integrate with broader digital ecosystems.

“Kia’s PBVs are designed to be more than just vehicles; they are intelligent business solutions that integrate seamlessly with digital ecosystems,” stated Sangdae Kim. "We expect our business collaboration with Samsung, leveraging its AI B2B solution SmartThings Pro, to enhance the vehicle user experience for our business customers beyond PBVs into the broader IoT ecosystem. We foresee this partnership creating new opportunities for delivering customer value."

Kia will integrate Samsung’s IoT platform, SmartThings Pro, into its PBVs. This solution enables wireless control of connected devices through a ‘Plug & Play’ service. It allows business customers to integrate and manage IoT-enabled devices effortlessly by attaching a smart connector.

"By incorporating SmartThings Pro into Kia PBVs, we plan to present an intelligent new way for businesses to connect with their customers," remarked Chanwoo Park. "We will offer an optimised integrated store management experience based on bespoke solutions to cater to a range of B2B customers, including the self-employed and small business owners."

By integrating SmartThings Pro into its PBVs, Kia enables automated connectivity between vehicles and business premises. This integration allows B2B customers to configure business routines, activating the appropriate routine based on the destination in the vehicle’s In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI). Thus, it facilitates seamless and secure management and monitoring of external business operations while on the move.

For instance, when small bakery owners choose a nearby wholesale market as their destination, the pre-programmed business routine activates an 'Ingredient Purchase Mode', and the vehicle's internal refrigeration system automatically adjusts to ensure the ingredients remain fresh during the journey.

Once the ingredients are purchased and the store is set as the destination, ‘Commute Mode’ will activate. This allows the owners to prepare the store before arrival by turning on the air-conditioning, signage, and other equipment. They can also intelligently receive a task list, such as checking inventory and replacing filters, enabling them to prepare the store for operation without staff.

After business hours, they can activate a ‘Closing Mode’, which ensures that the store’s devices are powered off, energy-saving measures are applied, and security management is automatically taken care of. They will also receive real-time notifications through IVI while driving if unusual activity is detected or maintenance is required, such as device malfunctions.

Further examples of the technology’s functionality include an ‘Unmanned Operation Mode’, which hospitality venues can use to remotely handle check-ins and check-outs, unlock room doors, control devices, and optimise climate control settings. Even while driving, owners can monitor the interior and exterior of the rooms through IVI and check guest reservation information to perform remote check-ins and check-outs.

SmartThings Pro will use AI-driven pattern recognition to recommend and refine automated business routines. At the same time, PBV owners can monitor and control these features directly through the vehicle’s infotainment system or a tablet device.

Alongside the integration of SmartThings Pro, Kia and Samsung plan to develop specialised IoT solutions tailored to the unique needs of PBV business customers in various industries.

The two companies will initially launch pilot services for small business owners and self-employed customers as part of this partnership. Moving forward, they will work on developing IoT product lines specifically for PBVs and bundled solutions tailored to the needs of B2B clients. They also aim to create new business models and extend their services to B2B customers globally.

This broader integration of technology, driven by the partnership between the two companies, will enable a seamless service that connects mobility, technology, and business. The collaboration reaffirms Korea’s strong reputation for innovative technology and Kia’s commitment to developing more creative, efficient mobility solutions.

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