Kia and Samsung team up to bring SmartThings to vans • Professional Pickup

Kia has partnered with Samsung to integrate SmartThings technology into its upcoming range of electric vans, starting with the recently revealed PV5.

The collaboration will see Samsung’s SmartThings Pro embedded into Kia’s LCVs, promising seamless connectivity between vehicles and business environments.

The partnership — signed at Kia’s recent EV Day — expands the role of Kia’s Professional Business Vans (PBVs) beyond just transport, making them part of a wider digital ecosystem. With SmartThings Pro, Kia’s PBV customers — especially small businesses and owner-operators — will be able to automate and control business-related functions directly from their vehicles.

Smart integration for business on the move

At the core of this initiative is SmartThings Pro, Samsung’s AI-powered IoT platform, which will enable PBV users to connect and manage devices without the need for complex installations. Business owners will be able to set up smart routines that integrate their vehicles with their workspace.

Kia has provided examples of how SmartThings Pro could be integrated into a working day:

When small bakery owners set a nearby wholesale market as the destination, the pre-programmed business routine will activate an ‘Ingredient Purchase Mode,’ and the vehicle’s internal refrigeration system will be automatically adjusted to ensure the ingredients remain fresh during the trip.

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 arriving by turning on the air-conditioning, signage, and other equipment. They can also receive a task list intelligently, 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 taken care of automatically.

We’ll gather views from our local village bakery over tea and cake this weekend.

AI-driven connectivity

SmartThings Pro will use AI-powered pattern recognition to refine and automate business processes. Users will have access to these controls either through the vehicle’s infotainment system or a dedicated tablet interface. Real-time notifications will keep business owners informed about maintenance requirements or security alerts, even while on the move.

Next steps for Kia’s PBV strategy

Kia and Samsung plan to introduce pilot programs for small businesses before rolling out SmartThings Pro more widely. Future developments may include specialised IoT product lines tailored to PBVs, as well as bundled solutions designed for various industries. The companies also intend to explore new business models that could expand these offerings to global markets.

For Kia, this partnership is a step toward its broader PBV strategy, which aims to integrate vehicles into a connected digital ecosystem that enhances both mobility and business efficiency.

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Phil Huff

Phil Huff, a seasoned automotive journalist since 2011, specialises in new car and van launches for national and regional newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. As the editor of light commercial vehicle publications Professional Van and Professional Pickup, Phil delivers high-quality content for a UK audience of LCV owner-operators and small business users.