A new brand and model name will be engraved on the trophy “International Van of the Year” for 2026: For the first time, the Korean automaker Kia has won the most prestigious award in the light commercial vehicle industry with its new PV5. The 26 members of the jury of “International Van of the Year” (IVOTY), including the German representative for HUSS-VERLAG, the LOGISTRA section editor for Test + Technology, Johannes Reichel, chose the PV5 clearly as the new title holder for 2026.
The Kia PV5 is a fully electric modular van concept, which is part of the new PBV model line (Platform Beyond Vehicle) from the Asian manufacturer and is based on a special skateboard platform for electric vehicles called E-GMP.S. It scored highly in jury tests for its spaciousness and energy efficiency, easy handling, high comfort, as well as contemporary assistance and connectivity.
Another newcomer, the Farizon SV from China, took second place, while the Ford E-Transit Courier completed the podium as the third fully electric model. For the jury, this is also a sign of a growing number of fully practical and economically emission-free vans and a strong signal of the industry’s will to decarbonize. The Volkswagen Transporter and the latest Crafter, as well as the MAN TGE, were also among the contenders, as were the Ford Transit Connect PHEV and the revised Ford E-Transit.
Ceremonial awards ceremony in Lyon
At the awards ceremony as part
of the Solutrans 2025 Gala Dinner at EurExpo in Lyon, Jarlath Sweeney, chairperson of IVOTY, congratulated Kia on its first victory:
“Congratulations to Kia on winning the 34th International Van of the Year Award for 2026. The PV5 is the first in a series of new light commercial vehicle models that are set to hit the market in the coming years by the Korean brand, so we will hear much more from Kia in due course. As we know, Kia vehicles have already received numerous awards; now it is time for the new van division of this brand to receive its deserved recognition. Interestingly, Farizon and its SV model secured second place, another new Asian brand, and we welcome this brand of the Geely Group to the European market.”
Both Marc Hedrich, President of Kia Europe, and Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and head of the PBV Division at Kia Corporation, were present at the Solutrans gala and accepted the trophy from Jarlath Sweeney on stage. Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe, stated:
“We have believed in the Kia PV5 since its market launch, but this recognition honors us greatly: earlier this year the PV5 concept was awarded the Red Dot Design Award. A few weeks ago we set a Guinness World Record, thereby demonstrating the performance and advanced technology of the Kia PV5. The victory of the renowned International Van of the Year Award is a
great honor and a strong endorsement by some of the most respected journalists in the LCV industry – especially since the first vehicles are only just arriving in Europe. Although Kia is new to the LCV market, this award confirms the company’s willingness to deliver technology, design and practicality, and strengthens our position as a leading provider of mobility solutions. Our sincere thanks go to the IVOTY jurors for this recognition and to all Kia employees for their commitment.”
Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the PBV Division at Kia Corporation, added:
“In 2022 we launched our PBV division with a clear goal: to redefine the LCV market through innovation, which is what Kia has always stood for. The Kia PV5 realizes this vision, and the award as “International Van of the Year” for our first PBV model confirms that we are on the right track. The PV5 was developed with active consideration of customer wishes, with every detail carefully matched to the real requirements of day-to-day business. This award is an important milestone, but our journey to provide significant added value to our customers continues as we expand the PBV product range.”
In the pickups, the Ford Ranger PHEV is clearly ahead
In the vote for the “International Pick-up of the Year” (IPUA), Ford Pro secured the award for the fourth time in the fifteen-year history with its newly developed Ranger PHEV. It is the first
time a hybrid powertrain has been awarded by the jury, which consists of members of the International Van of the Year Award (IVOTY) group. The HUSS-VERLAG provided the German member for the vote.
The determination of the overall winner of the pickup trucks for 2026/27 was decided after an extensive on-road/off-road test program held last month in Bulgaria. Here there were a number of other 4x4 double-cab candidates fighting for the top prize, namely INEOS, Foton and Maxus, with the latter two Chinese brands impressing the jury with their performance during the tests. In the end, Ford accumulated the most points, followed by the INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster in second place and the Foton V9 in third place. Performance with even higher efficiency and lower fuel consumption.
“The new Ranger PHEV offers outstanding, class-leading performance with even higher efficiency and lower fuel costs for daily use and seamlessly combines a 2.3-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine with a 75-kW electric motor. With a selection of EV driving modes, you can drive on gasoline, battery power or a combination of both. With a power output of 281 hp, a torque of 697 Nm, and a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, there are no compromises on the Ranger’s legendary robustness and capability,” explained Jarlath Sweeney, chairperson of IVOTY & IPUA.
The announcement and presentation of the trophy took place on November 19 at the Solutrans 2025 Gala Dinner at EurExpo in
