CoolKit partners with KIA for groundbreaking light commercial vehicle

Blackburn based temperature-controlled light commercial vehicle specialists CoolKit has been named among the first five approved Kia PBV Conversion Partners for the award-winning Kia PBV range.

CoolKit was selected by Kia as the first temperature-controlled convertors of its PV5 Cargo, adding to its market-leading number of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) accreditations that includes Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and MAN Truck and Bus, among others.

The partnership will enable the Lancashire-based business to offer bespoke chilled, freezer, and dual-temperature conversions for the LCV.

Fleet operators will benefit from the PV5’s all-electric motor and improved payload capabilities, combined with CoolKit’s expertise in precision engineering, delivering increased productivity, durability, and environmental efficiency.

With an ISO 14001 certification for environmental management, CoolKit is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the PV5’s innovative EV and sustainability features, setting the standard for modern, sustainable LCV conversions for years to come.

The announcement comes as CoolKit exhibits alongside Kia at the 2026 Commercial Vehicle Show, as the new PV5 Cargo is unveiled to the LCV market. The show marks a poignant start of a major collaboration between the two companies.

Daniel Miller, managing director at CoolKit, said: “Being selected as the first temperature-controlled Conversion Partner for the PV5 Cargo is a major milestone for CoolKit, and one that allows us to further lead the way for temperature-controlled conversions.

"Partnering with Kia was an easy decision for us. We both share a vision for innovation and finding credible solutions to decarbonise our sector, so having the opportunity to bring our market-leading expertise to this pioneering vehicle is an exciting moment for us, but also for fleet operators up and down the UK.

“This is just the start of a fruitful collaboration with Kia, and we’re looking forward to working with them over the coming years as we continue to innovate in a fast-moving sector.”

Simon Hetherington, commercial director at Kia UK, said: “Launching the first approved Kia PBV Conversion Partners including CoolKit at the CV Show marks an important new milestone for our PBV strategy in the UK.

"CoolKit’s proven leadership and expertise in refrigerated conversions, based on our next‑generation fully electric LCV platform, gives fleet operators a compelling new solution for temperature‑controlled mobility needs. Together, we’re setting a new benchmark for capability, efficiency and sustainability in this segment.”

Renowned for its innovative and award-winning refrigerated vehicle conversions, CoolKit provides highly efficient and durable solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of industries such as food distribution, pharmaceuticals and catering.