Kia launches first electric van in Japan as Toyota and Nissan warn of US‑made car quality issues

Kia entered the Japanese market with the PV5, its first electric van, offering passenger and cargo versions. The vehicle was introduced through a joint venture with Sojitz, operating seven dealerships and 52 service centres, with plans to expand to 11 showrooms and 100 service centres and to sell 1,000 units in fiscal year 2026. The PV5 is sized for Japan’s narrow streets, supports CHAdeMO charging and follows Kia’s global sales momentum of more than 8,100 units in the first quarter of 2026.

Toyota and Nissan began importing models built in the United States – such as the Tundra, Highlander and Murano – back to Japan. Both manufacturers warned that these U.S.–produced vehicles may exhibit finish‑level issues not typical for the Japanese market, including paint imperfections, glue residue, misaligned panels and uneven gaps. Additional concerns involve features that may not work in Japan, such as language‑restricted infotainment interfaces and non‑functional traffic‑sign recognition systems. The companies emphasized that the issues do not affect overall vehicle functionality.