The Monolithic Van Dictatorship Ends - The Van Becomes a Construction Set

The traditional model of van manufacturing, where customization for specific business needs was costly and limited to specialized workshops, is giving way to a new era of modularity. For years, major manufacturers offered only standard vehicle "skeletons," forcing businesses to rely on expensive "body ateliers" to convert them into specialized vehicles like school buses or ambulances.

This has led to a proliferation of N1-class vehicles, often adapted by owners in ways that suit their immediate needs but lack professional standardization. However, the situation is gradually changing, with manufacturers beginning to offer more integrated solutions.

Companies like Renault and Mercedes-Benz are developing modular platforms designed to accommodate various powertrains, including electric and hydrogen. This approach allows the vehicle body to be mounted as a module onto a flat electric platform, integrating the battery, motor, and chassis. This design maximizes interior space and offers unprecedented flexibility.

Kia is pushing this concept further with its PV5 model, part of its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy. Unlike other architectures where modularity is primarily beneath the floor, Kia's design makes the body itself modular. The PV5, already in serial production and recognized as the "International Van of the Year 2026," utilizes the E-GMP.S platform. It features a standardized cabin and first row of seats, with interchangeable rear modules, side windows, and roof heights, allowing for up to 16 different configurations. Kia is also establishing a network of certified partners for specialized conversions, moving away from ad-hoc garage modifications.