Kia accelerates development of military vehicles with new military platform

Kia Motors Corporation has revealed its plans for the development of a new standard platform for its next generation military vehicles, strengthening the company's capabilities in future military projects.

Kia Motors plans to start manufacturing prototypes of mid-sized standard vehicles within this year and take the test evaluations by the Korean Government in 2021. The company's goal is military deployment from 2024, following standardisation and initial production tests.

This mid-sized standard vehicle development project is the result of joint investment by the Korean military and Kia Motors. The large-scale program will see the replacement of 2.5-tonne and 5.0-tonne military standard vehicles currently in operation, and the development of new 5.0-tonne bulletproof vehicles.

The standard vehicles will be equipped with a range of the latest commercial technologies, including high-torque 7.0-litre diesel engines and automatic transmission systems, ABS and Anti-Spin Regulator, Rear Parking Assist, Around View Monitor, satellite navigation and hot wire seats.

Kia's modular approach to developing new vehicles on the platform will enable the development of other derivatives in future, such as vehicles equipped with a range of weapons systems, and those designed with more specialised specifications and technologies.

Kia has developed a conceptual brief for its new military All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and plans to introduce a prototype early next year. The developed ATVs will not only be deployed for military purposes, but will also be used in various fields, such as industrial and leisure sectors, drawing on bare chassis from the robust Kia Mohave SUV.

Kia will continue to grow its reputation as an SUV brand by applying technology and know-how from military vehicle development to improve the durability of its road-going SUVs.