KIA MOTORS AMERICA’S OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON AND BASKETBALL ALL-STAR BLAKE GRIFFIN SHOWCASES ATHLETIC PROWESS AND COMEDIC STYLE IN NEW OPTIMA ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN
Kia Optima Commercial
IRVINE, Calif., October 20, 2011 – When basketball All-Star Blake Griffin dunked over a Kia Optima during the 2011 NBA Sprite® All-Star Slam Dunk contest, he achieved instant notoriety for his athletic prowess and basketball talents, while the stylish and performance-oriented Optima sedan continued its ascent with its head-turning design translating to record sales. As a playful homage to this iconic dunk, Kia Motors America (KMA) kicks off another new piece of the overall 2012 Optima advertising campaign today with the debut of “Time to Shine,” a 30-second spot that humorously showcases Griffin’s athleticism in a stunt using a powerful Optima to tow inline skate-wearing Griffin to a ramp that catapults him in the air to a 45-foot-high basketball hoop, where he dunks the ball. Created by David&Goliath, KMA’s advertising agency of record, and renowned director Paul Hunter, who is credited with award-winning advertisements, “Time to Shine” is available now at http://www.youtube.com/Kia, and makes its television debut today on a variety of prime time, late night and cable programming.
“There is an inherent link between the youthful style and performance attributes of the Kia Optima and the extraordinary talent and athleticism displayed by Griffin in every game,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “The Kia Optima is not your average midsize sedan and Blake Griffin is not your average spokesperson or athlete, making the memorable connection in the 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk competition the perfect launching point for a playful follow-up to a spectacular feat.”
Griffin is the only current professional basketball player with a global marketing relationship with an automaker. The partnership with Griffin also increases Kia’s presence in professional basketball following the brand’s extension and expansion of its relationship with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2010. As one of the most recognizable young players in professional basketball, Griffin will continue to be featured in upcoming Kia broadcast commercials throughout the fall.
In his role as a global spokesperson for Kia Motors, Griffin supports the brand’s marketing programs and appears in the company’s advertising materials, makes public appearances on behalf of the brand, and is involved in exclusive product promotions, social media engagements and philanthropic initiatives.
About Blake Griffin
Selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, Blake Griffin took the NBA by storm in his rookie season and broke records every step of the way. Known for his high-flying dunks and unwavering physicality, Griffin competed on the 2011 NBA All-Star Team, the first rookie All-Star voted to the game by coaches since Tim Duncan in 1998. He also took first prize in the 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest and participated in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam. A highlight reel sensation equipped with the size, strength, quickness and skill to keep his household name buzzworthy for many years to come, Griffin has transformed the Clippers into a must-watch franchise. A native of Oklahoma City, Okla., the 6’9” power forward attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was one of the highest rated and most decorated recruits in Sooners history. A media magnet, Griffin already has earned numerous accolades, including the Oscar Robertson Trophy, Adolph Rupp Trophy, John Wooden Award, Naismith Award, Sports Illustrated Player of the Year, multiple NBA Western Conference T-Mobile Rookie of the Month honors and many more; for more information go to www.blakegriffin.com or follow him at @blakegriffin.
“There is an inherent link between the youthful style and performance attributes of the Kia Optima and the extraordinary talent and athleticism displayed by Griffin in every game,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “The Kia Optima is not your average midsize sedan and Blake Griffin is not your average spokesperson or athlete, making the memorable connection in the 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk competition the perfect launching point for a playful follow-up to a spectacular feat.”
Griffin is the only current professional basketball player with a global marketing relationship with an automaker. The partnership with Griffin also increases Kia’s presence in professional basketball following the brand’s extension and expansion of its relationship with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2010. As one of the most recognizable young players in professional basketball, Griffin will continue to be featured in upcoming Kia broadcast commercials throughout the fall.
In his role as a global spokesperson for Kia Motors, Griffin supports the brand’s marketing programs and appears in the company’s advertising materials, makes public appearances on behalf of the brand, and is involved in exclusive product promotions, social media engagements and philanthropic initiatives.
About Blake Griffin
Selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, Blake Griffin took the NBA by storm in his rookie season and broke records every step of the way. Known for his high-flying dunks and unwavering physicality, Griffin competed on the 2011 NBA All-Star Team, the first rookie All-Star voted to the game by coaches since Tim Duncan in 1998. He also took first prize in the 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest and participated in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam. A highlight reel sensation equipped with the size, strength, quickness and skill to keep his household name buzzworthy for many years to come, Griffin has transformed the Clippers into a must-watch franchise. A native of Oklahoma City, Okla., the 6’9” power forward attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was one of the highest rated and most decorated recruits in Sooners history. A media magnet, Griffin already has earned numerous accolades, including the Oscar Robertson Trophy, Adolph Rupp Trophy, John Wooden Award, Naismith Award, Sports Illustrated Player of the Year, multiple NBA Western Conference T-Mobile Rookie of the Month honors and many more; for more information go to www.blakegriffin.com or follow him at @blakegriffin.
IRVINE, Calif. — Leading global information services company Experian recently released a report regarding automotive brands with the highest loyalty, with Kia Motors America (KMA) landing on top with 47.9 percent. Experian also reported that the Forte compact sedan received the highest loyalty ranking of any vehicle with 67.7 percent, while the popular Soul urban passenger vehicle and Forte Koup two-door landed not far behind with 59.3 percent and 56.4 percent rankings, respectively.
“Our design-led transformation has delivered nine new vehicles in less than three years and we are not only seeing more and more new consumers come into Kia showrooms but also a sharp increase in owners returning and purchasing another Kia vehicle,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Customers are recognizing Kia vehicles as smart purchases and understand that you don’t have to sacrifice performance or styling in order to get impressive fuel efficiency or the latest technologies at a low starting price. As our residual values continue to outpace the industry, Kia’s value proposition is all the more powerful.”
Experian Automotive leverages its North American Vehicle Database to track vehicle ownership and purchase activity. This activity drives Experian’s quarterly industry loyalty studies, which report on loyalty at the corporate, brand and model levels. During the second quarter of 2011, 47.9 percent of the 54,268 Kia owners that returned to the marketplace purchased another Kia vehicle.
Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kia’s commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and added the critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan(1) to its production line in September. Kia’s model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 745 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle lineup is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
“Our design-led transformation has delivered nine new vehicles in less than three years and we are not only seeing more and more new consumers come into Kia showrooms but also a sharp increase in owners returning and purchasing another Kia vehicle,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Customers are recognizing Kia vehicles as smart purchases and understand that you don’t have to sacrifice performance or styling in order to get impressive fuel efficiency or the latest technologies at a low starting price. As our residual values continue to outpace the industry, Kia’s value proposition is all the more powerful.”
Experian Automotive leverages its North American Vehicle Database to track vehicle ownership and purchase activity. This activity drives Experian’s quarterly industry loyalty studies, which report on loyalty at the corporate, brand and model levels. During the second quarter of 2011, 47.9 percent of the 54,268 Kia owners that returned to the marketplace purchased another Kia vehicle.
Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kia’s commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and added the critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan(1) to its production line in September. Kia’s model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 745 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle lineup is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
Filed under: Kia, Earnings/Financials
Automaker earnings have been mostly impressive so far, and Kia is no different. Reuters reports that the Korean automaker has posted earnings of $890 million for the first quarter of 2011, up 91 percent compared to the $466 million profit from Q1 2010. Overall revenue for the quarter was $10 billion, up 37 percent year over year. Kia's healthy earnings come as sales rose 30 percent to 619,089 units. The automaker fared especially well in South Korea, China and the United States, where new models like the Optima and Sportage have really taken off.
Kia's profit surge comes one day after Hyundai announced earnings of $1.7 billion. Hyundai shares are up 44 percent on the year, while Kia shares are up 16 percent.
[Source: Reuters | Image: Drew Phillips/AOL]
Kia earnings up 91% to $890 million in Q1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Butler Auto Group is happy to announce that their plan to build a Green Auto Mall in Fishers, IN has been unanimously approved by the Fishers Town Council. The 24-Acre Auto Mall will bring over 200 jobs to the town of Fishers and will be developed along State Road 37 between 131st and 141st Streets.
The Butler Automotive group plans to spend $19 million on the Auto Mall building four to five car dealerships utilizing the latest green technology. They will be putting in the infrastructure necessary to benefit surrounding development projects and Fishers.
The completion of the project is estimated to be in 2013 and Butler aims to bring over 200 jobs to the area. The Auto Mall will be located in the area surrounding the current Butler Nissan dealership.
For additional articles on the new Butler Auto Mall project visit: Indiana Economic Digest, Fun City Finder, Indianapolis Business Journal, or WTHR13 online.
The Butler Automotive group plans to spend $19 million on the Auto Mall building four to five car dealerships utilizing the latest green technology. They will be putting in the infrastructure necessary to benefit surrounding development projects and Fishers.
The completion of the project is estimated to be in 2013 and Butler aims to bring over 200 jobs to the area. The Auto Mall will be located in the area surrounding the current Butler Nissan dealership.
For additional articles on the new Butler Auto Mall project visit: Indiana Economic Digest, Fun City Finder, Indianapolis Business Journal, or WTHR13 online.
