Kia Motors follows its first Super Bowl TV ad and Official Automotive Partner of the NBA status with a foray into professional golf.
The view from the Summit
At Summit Place Kia in metro Detroit, spring is just around the corner. And to us, spring also means a return to summer sports including cycling, baseball and, last but not least, a return to the golf links. That last sport, by the way, is why we’re especially interested in the latest news from Kia Motors.
New Kia partnerships
Kia revealed its latest two partnerships in the following press release:
IRVINE, Calif. – Kia Motors America (KMA) announced two major sports marketing partnerships in the U.S. with Michelle Wie and the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). Michelle Wie will be the official golf ambassador and spokesperson for Kia Motors. Kia Motors also will become title sponsor for the inaugural Kia Classic Presented by J Golf to take place March 22-28 in San Diego, Calif. at the renowned La Costa Resort and Spa Golf Course. Marking the first LPGA tour stop on U.S. soil and broadcast nationwide on the Golf Channel, the Kia Classic will feature the top-20 ranked players, including Wie, and a full field of 144 LPGA professionals showcasing the best golfers in the world competing for a $1.7 million purse.
“After our 15th consecutive year of increased market share in the U.S. and as one of only three automotive makers to see an overall sales increase in 2009, it is imperative we continue raising Kia brand awareness with high-profile strategic partnerships that fit with our core values,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. “Michelle and the youthful, exciting LPGA talent reflect our brand’s and our vehicles’ characteristics, and the image-conscious Southern California market is an ideal platform to showcase the all-new 2011 Kia Sorento CUV, Kia Forte compact sedan and Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle.”
Michelle Wie Becomes Official Kia Motors America Golf Ambassador
“I am thrilled to partner with Kia and proud to represent the company,” said Wie. “Kia is a car that I have trusted personally, with a stylish and youthful spirit that I wanted. It means a lot to me when I can partner with a quality company, like Kia, that I have believed in for quite some time.”
“You don’t increase market share for 15 consecutive years like Kia Motors has accomplished unless you provide value, satisfy consumer demand, and adopt modern technologies and new designs,” said Mike Whan, LPGA Commissioner. “Kia is driven to be the best, and has showcased its brand worldwide. We at the LPGA aspire to the same achievements, and therefore we’re thrilled to partner with Kia. We look forward to working with them to showcase the best women golfers in the world. ”
Anticipation for the Kia Classic continues to build as the LPGA 2010 season opens next week in Thailand where Wie will don her Kia golf bag for the first time in competition. The southern California event marks the first time the venerable La Costa Resort and Spa has hosted the LPGA Tour. Tickets are available at www.lpgalacosta.com, or by calling 1-888-SEE-LPGA.
Get ready for spring with a new Kia!
To find out for yourself why everyone here at Summit Place Kia is so excited about all our great Kia models, you really need to pay us a visit and take at least one for a test drive. To schedule an appointment, or for more information on the entire line-up of high quality, affordable, fuel-efficient Kias, you can contact us at our Waterford store by calling 248-682-6002 or by dialing 734-397-9900 for our Canton store. You can also check us out on the web at www.summitplacekia.com. If you just want to stop in for a visit, our two dealerships located at 2200 Elizabeth Lake Road in Waterford, just behind the Summit Place mall and in Canton at 41840 Michigan Avenue, just west of I-275. Once you’re there, you’ll see why everyone at metro Detroit’s sales leader and Proud Automotive Sponsor of Michigan Athletics would “Love to see ‘ya” in a Summit Place Kia!
1 KMMG vehicles are built with U.S. and globally sourced parts.
