News Roundup: August 4, 2025

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/YQVERz42zxE

Kia PV5 Technology Day

Five years ago, Kia announced plans to enter the commercial vehicle market with new products, a new plant, and a new software ecosystem. The midsize PV5 van was unveiled last year, and now Kia has offered a closer look at the flexibility and capability of their new entry:

• Flexible Body System enables up to 16 variants through a building-block modular approach--modularizes major components such as body structures, doors, tailgates, and both exterior and interior panels

  • Rear-end modules, quarter glass, and roof height can be flexibly swapped like puzzle pieces

• Tailored for business with connected software, expandable accessories, and a professional conversion strategy enabling scalable lineup expansion

• Low floor is made possible by adopting a suspension layout optimized for this architecture

• Designed with serviceability in mind: modular brackets simplify maintenance, lowering the total cost of ownership

  • Kia optimized parts sharing and tailored its battery and motor systems for specific use cases

• Dual-layer plastic composite rear garnishes with a three-piece design—enhances body flexibility, structural integrity, and repairability

• Ring-type exoskeletal frame reinforces the rear of the vehicle to improve NVH

Beyond the seven base versions coming out of the factory, the PBV Conversion Center, launching at the time of production, will offer factory-quality conversions built to the same durability and safety standards as Kia’s core lineup. The companion Conversion Portal System gives global partners secure access to technical data, manuals, and a one-on-one technical hotline.

WHY IT MATTERS: The past several years have shown that Ford Pro is the money-maker within Ford Motor Company, and Kia likely saw an opportunity to grow the business by expanding into the commercial market. Their biggest challenge? An unproven brand that some business owners might be wary of compared to long-time commercial players like VW, Ford, and Renault.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Although demand for EVs--both retail and commercial--has slowed down, which may impact total sales volumes, the PV5 offers a compelling alternative to existing entries from VW, Ford, and Renault. Next year's Mercedes VLE and Ford eTransit may raise the bar even further.

IM Motors' First EREV

Launched as a premium EV brand within SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), IM Motors have unveiled their new Hengxing ("star") EREV system. It uses the largest-among-EREVs 66 kWh battery and an 800V electrical architecture. While the 210-mile EPA-equivalent range isn't impressive for an EV (compared to the 275 miles of the Tesla Model Y), the EREV setup enables a total range of 700 miles. The 268 kW charge rate isn't as fast as some EVs but much faster than most other EREVs and PHEVs, providing ~145 miles EPA range in 15 minutes.

WHY IT MATTERS: As EV demand starts to flatten out, several other EV-only brands have begun expanding into EREVs, while many premium and luxury brands that had been targeting an all-electric future are now adding in more PHEVs. This move gives IM's customers more freedom of powertrain choice.

THE BOTTOM LINE: IM's portfolio is already reasonably competitive, and the numbers associated with their new EREV are good enough to keep them in the hunt.

LI Auto's First EV

Originally founded in 2015, Li Auto launched their first product--an EREV SUV--in 2019, and have added additional EREVs to their portfolio. Now, the i8 midsize SUV becomes the brand's first EV--an MPV-inspired 2+2+2 seater. With a sleek profile, a light bar mounted at the base of the windshield, and flush door handles, Li Auto is claiming a 0.218 Cd--even better than the Tesla Model Y. The base $45,000 model offers 536 hp and 0-100 kmh in 4.5 seconds, with up to 335 miles EPA equivalent range and 5C battery charging. Inside, there's no traditional IP cluster, but there are large center and passenger-side touchscreens. The Magic Carpet dual chamber air suspension offers four ride heights, and the standard LiDAR supports two different levels of automated driving. Li Auto also emphasized safety, showcasing videos that demonstrated the battery's immersion underwater for ten days, its freezing at -40 °C for 24 hours, and its drop from a 10-metre height, with none of these events causing battery failure or fire.

WHY IT MATTERS: As EV brands expand into EREVs, Li Auto suddenly finds itself at a disadvantage by offering only one kind of electrified powertrain. This move will increase their competitiveness in an increasingly challenging market.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Although there is still a minivan stigma in the U.S., luxury minivans are hot in China, so the i8's van-like profile may not be a problem. It appears to be well-equipped otherwise to compete with both legacy and startup entries in this highly competitive segment.

Honda Prelude Returns!

After a 24-year absence from the market--and following up on the concept shown at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023--Honda's new Prelude has a teaser site up in Japan before its formal launch in September. Just as the Acura Integra is a Civic hatchback in a fancy suit, the Prelude is derived from the Civic coupe (with a shorter wheelbase and wider track). It gets the Civic Hybrid's 2.0L powertrain (output TBD) and a new S+Shift transmission intended to provide EV-type throttle responsiveness with simulated gearshifts. It also uses the Civic Type R's dual-axis front suspension to mitigate torque steer

WHY IT MATTERS: With Chevy and Dodge now out of the affordable performance market, the Prelude gives Honda a halo vehicle to attract young car enthusiasts into the showroom and help build the brand's street cred. Leveraging an existing--and competent--component set also helps the business case.

THE BOTTOM LINE: It is unlikely to be a runaway best-seller, but the new Prelude--not just a new car entry, but an actual coupe--is a breath of fresh air in an SUV-crazed market.

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