KLIO DESIGN
KLIO DESIGN is a South Korean mobility design firm providing one-stop design services — from mass production vehicles to future mobility concepts and prototyping — for global automotive OEMs including Mahindra, Hyundai/Kia, and POSCO, with proprietary platforms like MULE and WITH:US.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersSeoul, South Korea
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What KLIO DESIGN does
KLIO DESIGN is a South Korean mobility design company founded in 2013, headquartered in Seoul with an R&D center established in Anyang in 2025. The firm operates as a boutique B2B professional services provider with approximately 10 employees, offering one-stop design solutions — spanning mass production vehicle design, future mobility concepts, and prototyping — to global automotive OEMs and tier suppliers. Its client roster includes Mahindra (India, with a dedicated Perceived Quality organization covering five vehicle models), Hyundai Motor Group, Kia Motors, POSCO, Samsung Electronics, Doosan, Daedong Mobility, BAIC, TATA Motors, and Unmanned Solution, alongside Korean research institutions (KATECH, Hongik University, Hanyang University).
The company's core technology centers on a collaborative mobility design methodology anchored in the Double Diamond design process and a proprietary "Designability" framework combining professional service, educational activity, and collaborative scaling. Its flagship proprietary product is the MULE open modular micro-mobility platform — a simple flat-frame architecture using blow-molded recycled plastics that supports multiple functional variants (4B pedelec bicycle, MC cargo scooter, ST standard truck, UTV off-road vehicle) sharing common parts and frames. Other notable technical outputs include the WITH:US Level 5 autonomous shuttle (co-developed with Unmanned Solution), Voronoi diagram-optimized bicycle frames, topology-optimized vehicle structures using SIMP density methods, and a metaverse-based 3D sketching workflow replacing traditional clay modeling.
KLIO DESIGN operates a project-based professional services revenue model, with pricing negotiated individually with enterprise clients. The firm acquires business through direct enterprise sales, industry exhibitions (Seoul Mobility Show, Seoul Design Week, international venues including Guggenheim Bilbao), and its dedicated on-site client organizations. It has secured international recognition through Red Dot, iF Design Award (including Gold), German Design Award, and Spark Design Award wins, and participates in national R&D consortium projects such as the carbon-neutrality sustainable mobility CMF initiative.
KLIO DESIGN firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- KLIO DESIGN
- Legal name
- (주)클리오디자인
- Website
- https://kliodesign.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- KLIO DESIGN is a South Korean mobility design firm providing one-stop design services — from mass production vehicles to future mobility concepts and prototyping — for global automotive OEMs including Mahindra, Hyundai/Kia, and POSCO, with proprietary platforms like MULE and WITH:US.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where KLIO DESIGN is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seoul
- HQ country
- South Korea
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
KLIO DESIGN business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Mobility Design Services: B2B professional design services provided to global automotive manufacturers and parts companies. Services range from mass production vehicle design to future mobility concept development and prototyping.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
KLIO DESIGN product offering
Product offeringCore offering
KLIO DESIGN provides B2B mobility design services to global automotive manufacturers and parts companies, covering mass-production vehicle design, future mobility concept development, and prototyping from concept to final product. The studio complements client projects with in-house Design R&D on sustainable and carbon-neutral mobility and runs an Open Innovation program that combines educational activities with cross-industry collaborations. Signature in-house products include the MULE modular micro-mobility platform and the WITH:US Level 5 autonomous shuttle co-developed with Unmanned Solution.
Product overview
KLIO DESIGN is a mobility design company established in 2013, providing one-stop design services for global automotive manufacturers and parts companies — from mass production design to future mobility concept and prototyping. The company operates three core service pillars: Design Service (concept to prototyping), Design R&D (product strategy, concept development, design process innovation), and Open Innovation (partnership building, collaboration, education). The flagship product is the MULE open modular micro mobility platform — an ecosystem of customizable vehicles (4B pedelec bike, MC cargo scooter, ST truck, UTV off-road vehicle) built on a shared simple flat/plane frame using blow molding and recycled materials. KLIO DESIGN also developed the WITH:US Level 5 autonomous shuttle in partnership with Unmanned Solution, and has produced multiple concept projects including the Open Structure Mobility Concept, Voronoi Bike Concept, and the Metaverse-based 3D Idea Sketch process. The company publishes research on mobility design history, lamp trends, and its own 'Designability' methodology.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Design Service Full-service professional mobility design offering covering concept development, creative design solutions, criteria-complication based design, and prototyping from concept to production. Sold to global automotive OEMs and tier suppliers on a project basis.
- Design R&D Research and development service covering product strategy and planning, concept development, and design process innovation, including sustainable-mobility and carbon-neutrality research. Sold to OEMs, suppliers, and research consortia.
- Open Innovation Collaborative innovation service focused on partnership building, problem-solving, external collaboration, and design education, delivered via the Designability framework and joint programs with universities and industry partners.
- MULE (밮) Sustainable Micro Mobility Platform Open modular micro-mobility platform built on a simple flat/plane frame that can be combined with various upper-body modules (cabins, cargo boxes, roofs). Manufactured via blow molding with recycled plastics for easy assembly, disassembly, and part replacement; the platform underpins MULE 4B, MC, ST, and UTV variants. Sold or showcased to mobility OEMs, suppliers, and partners.
- WITH:US (위더스) Level 5 Autonomous Shuttle 6-passenger Level 5 electric autonomous shuttle with no driver's seat, symmetrical monovolume body, all-side LIDAR/radar/camera sensors, LTE/5G connectivity, sliding doors, and a modular platform. Designed and co-developed with Unmanned Solution; deployed in Korean cities and awarded internationally.
- Voronoi Bike Concept Mini velo bike concept applying Voronoi diagram theory to frame internal structure for lightweight optimization while maintaining stiffness and strength, developed in collaboration with Hanyang University, KATECH, and PMRC. Sold/licensed or showcased to bike manufacturers and partners.
- Open Structure Mobility Concept Exploratory concept project on platform-sharing for vehicle expansion and 3D printing-based customization of small electric mobility vehicles, featuring a customizable upper body (1–3 passenger, personal/public/commercial use) atop a standardized under body with simplified EV drivetrain. Developed with university and SME collaboration.
- MULE 4B (4-Wheel Bike) 4-wheel pedelec (pedal-assist) electric bicycle in the MULE platform family, with a 25 km/h top speed compliant with bicycle legal standards. Compact frame with narrow-galley urban maneuverability and targeted at the European market. Unveiled at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show.
- MULE MC (Micro Cargo) 4-wheel fully electric cargo scooter variant in the MULE platform for industrial sites, logistics factories, campuses, and tourist areas. Modular cargo box design enables rapid service switching (transport, cleaning, facility management) with a 30 km/h top speed. Unveiled at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show.
- MULE ST (Standard Truck) Basic standard truck variant of the MULE series. Open-frame ultra-compact electric platform with freely combinable cabin and cargo modules for customized configurations across logistics, delivery, and public services. Unveiled at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show.
- MULE UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) 4WD utility vehicle variant of MULE optimized for off-road environments including agriculture, forestry, construction, and leisure. Shares the MULE frame and parts specifications, features a 2-seater base with modular cargo and equipment mounting. Unveiled at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show.
- DDM Modular Mobility Modular mobility platform co-developed with Daedong Mobility, showcased at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show as a new collaborative mobility design product.
- Mahindra BE 6 / XEV 9e Electric SUV Two electric SUV models (BE 6 and XEV 9e) designed for Mahindra with KLIO DESIGN's perceived quality involvement, displayed at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show as production-intent vehicles.
- POSCO Autonomous Shuttle Concept Autonomous shuttle interior and exterior design developed for POSCO as a new concept product, showcased at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show.
- Flexible Cockpit NE Application Flexible cockpit NE (Next Experience) application concept developed for DY DEOKYANG, presented at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show.
Quantifiable outcome
- Established dedicated organizations for Mahindra with 5 vehicle model Perceived Quality work and Digital Design Research Institute in India
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use KLIO DESIGN
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
KLIO DESIGN technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
KLIO DESIGN partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Unmanned SolutioncoreCo-development of WITH:US Level 5 autonomous shuttle. KLIO DESIGN handled complete design process from concept sketch through rendering, CAS, prototyping, exhibition, and branding. The shuttle achieved domestic first temporary driving license and is deployed in Seoul, Sejong, Daejeon, and Jeju.
- MahindracoreOngoing partnership for Electric XUV E9 design (2025), BE05 and BE-Rally design, and Perceived Quality work on 5 vehicle models. KLIO established Mahindra Digital Design Research Institute with dedicated organization in India.
- Daedong MobilitymajorDDM Modular Mobility design development (2025), electric scooter design and exhibition at 2022 Busan Motor Show.
- Deokyang IndustriesmajorOngoing national project since 2022 for carbon neutrality-focused sustainable mobility interior CMF design development. Awarded Red Dot Design Award 2024.
- POSCOmajorAutonomous shuttle interior and exterior design development (2025).
- Samsung ElectronicsmajorAutonomous robot mobility design development for engineer transport within FAB facilities.
- DY DEOKYANGminorPad printing pattern design development (2025).
- Hyundai Motor GroupcoreMultiple projects including kinetic lighting R&D, Perceived Quality work, Genesis GV90 customization, hydrogen fuel cell concept, delivery robot LED sequence, BXBX recycling project, lamp/robotics/PBV advance design R&D.
- Kia MotorscoreNew Ray Gravity design (2022), RAY 2022 customization, K8 customization concept.
- DoosanminorConcept-X future vision concept model design and promotional video development. Won iF Design Award Gold 2023.
- MECALABminorRe:formula Project upcycling workshop for kids, Design Own Mobility Project, collaboration on metaverse-based 3D design research.
- Hongik UniversitymajorAcademic collaboration for metaverse-based 3D idea sketch research with Hyundai, Kia, and other partners. PMRC (Personal Mobility Research Center) joint research for Voronoi Bike and Open Structure projects.
- Hanyang UniversityminorVoronoi Diagram Research Center collaboration for Voronoi Bike frame optimization using computational geometry algorithms.
- KATECH (Korea Automotive Technology Institute)minorCollaboration on sustainable mobility CMF design and Voronoi Bike structural optimization research.
- Kolon Glotech, GS Caltex, 2QM Tech, DGDPmajorConsortium partners for carbon neutrality-focused sustainable mobility interior CMF design development. Won Red Dot Design Award 2024.
- Wuppertal University (Germany)minorAcademic-industry collaboration for MULE 4-wheel bike mass production version development.
- BAICminorSUV and Sedan exterior and interior mass production design style development for Chinese market.
- TATA MotorsminorSUV mass production design development for Indian market.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves8 records
KLIO DESIGN competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- EDAG Group: Germany-based independent engineering services provider serving automotive OEMs worldwide with vehicle development, production solutions, and mobility design. Comparable in operating at the intersection of design and engineering for mass-production mobility programs.
- Italdesign Giugiaro: Italian automotive design and engineering house offering concept-to-production vehicle design services to global OEMs. Closely mirrors KLIO DESIGN's one-stop mobility design model, working across mass-production and concept vehicle programs for Hyundai, Mahindra (same clients as KLIO).
- Pininfarina: Iconic Italian automotive design firm providing concept, styling, and engineering services to global automakers and tier suppliers. Directly comparable business model: B2B design services spanning vehicle exteriors, interiors, and emerging mobility concepts.
- Cooper Perkins: US-based industrial design and engineering firm providing concept-to-production product design for transportation and mobility clients. Comparable as an independent industrial design services firm working on EV, micro-mobility, and transportation platforms.
- Bertone: Italian automotive design house with deep heritage providing vehicle styling and concept design services. Comparable as a boutique design firm serving global OEMs on both production and concept programs.
- Tata Elxsi: Indian design and technology services firm providing automotive design, styling, and digital engineering to global OEMs including TATA Motors. Highly comparable model working with KLIO's own TATA Motors/Mahindra client base from an India hub perspective.
Others
- Spark Motor Company: Thematically referenced via the Spark Design Award (one of KLIO's award bodies); included for thematic/ecosystem adjacency rather than direct service overlap.
Broad incumbents
- Hyundai Design Center: In-house design arm of Hyundai Motor Group, one of KLIO DESIGN's largest clients. Provides direct insight into the OEM-side design decision-making KLIO supports as an external services partner.
- BMW Group Designworks: BMW-owned design consultancy extending across automotive, mobility, and adjacent industries. Comparable service offering (industrial design for mobility) but operates within a much larger OEM group's portfolio rather than as an independent Korean studio.
Emerging players
- Riverlane Design: Industrial design consultancy with strong transportation and mobility portfolio. Adjacent peer offering similar full-stack design services for emerging mobility and product platforms.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
KLIO DESIGN social profiles
Digital presenceKLIO DESIGN financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
KLIO DESIGN leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
KLIO DESIGN funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
KLIO DESIGN M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about KLIO DESIGN
What does KLIO DESIGN do?
KLIO DESIGN provides B2B mobility design services to global automotive manufacturers and parts companies, covering mass-production vehicle design, future mobility concept development, and prototyping from concept to final product. The studio complements client projects with in-house Design R&D on sustainable and carbon-neutral mobility and runs an Open Innovation program that combines educational activities with cross-industry collaborations. Signature in-house products include the MULE modular micro-mobility platform and the WITH:US Level 5 autonomous shuttle co-developed with Unmanned Solution.
Is KLIO DESIGN a public or private company?
KLIO DESIGN is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was KLIO DESIGN founded?
KLIO DESIGN was founded in 2013. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is KLIO DESIGN based?
KLIO DESIGN is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, in the Asia region.
How does KLIO DESIGN make money?
One revenue line is on record: mobility Design Services.
Who are KLIO DESIGN's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are EDAG Group, Italdesign Giugiaro, Pininfarina, Cooper Perkins, Bertone and Tata Elxsi. Spark Motor Company is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Hyundai Design Center and BMW Group Designworks. Riverlane Design is listed as an emerging player.
Does KLIO DESIGN have an API?
No public API is recorded for KLIO DESIGN.