Seoul - South Korea
In a double achievement that reflects Kia’s shift towards innovation and sustainability, the Korean brand won a bronze award at the 2026 IDEA International Design Excellence Awards for the infotainment system in its new PV5 electric vehicle, while its global campaign in cooperation with the Ocean Cleanup Organization qualified for the final list of the same awards.

Why did the PV5 system win?

The honor was not a coincidence; The system was designed specifically for rear platform vehicles, to provide a software-based mobility experience that allows flexible applications to suit different businesses, services, and lifestyles. Its wide interface stands out with an aspect ratio of 16:9, which allows multiple viewing of multiple media, including the camera and air conditioning system, simultaneously. The integrated design language, including lines, icons, and visual elements, gives the user a unified and smooth experience, whether through the screen or the physical control buttons.

The Oceans Campaign... a story told by the movement
On the other hand, the “Kia x Ocean Cleanup” campaign was selected as a finalist in the Social Impact Design category, translating a partnership that went beyond donation into an influential visual narrative. The campaign used seven videos, turning environmental data into engaging stories, highlighting efforts to remove more than 42 million kilograms of marine litter. The campaign was united by a visual language centered on “movement,” linking Kia’s philosophy with the organization’s vision, and reminding us that design is not just a form, but rather a tool for change.

IDEA Awards... a legacy that recognizes innovation

The International Design Excellence Awards, awarded by the Society of Industrial Designers of America, are among the most prestigious global competitions, where participants are evaluated according to strict criteria that include innovation, usefulness, aesthetics, societal impact, and commercial value. What makes the two achievements even more important is that they reflect a broader trend in the automotive industry: excellence is no longer limited to engines and performance, but has extended to user interfaces and the role of brands in planetary issues.

A message from the future
With this achievement, Kia confirms that the future of mobility is not built on batteries alone, but rather on digital experiences that meet human needs, and environmental initiatives that have a clear imprint, and sees design as a bridge between technology and sustainability. With the final awards approaching, the question remains: Will this year be the beginning of a new chapter in Kia’s story of global excellence?