The Portland Trail Blazers and Kia Motors America, Inc. announced a multi-year partnership agreement that makes Kia Motors a ‘Proud Partner’ of Trail Blazers basketball.

In conjunction with the announcement, Kia and the Blazers have named the five lucky finalists - selected from random entries submitted online or at local Kia dealerships – who will compete to win an ‘NBA Salary for a Day’ during the Trail Blazers April 8 game vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.

Tim Herr of Beaverton, Jim Watson of Molalla, Andrew Hergert of Portland, Olivia Katzzek-King of Vancouver and Esmond Graham of Salem have won souvenir Trail Blazers contracts, which entitles each to a customized game jersey, two lower-level seats for the Blazers/Lakers game and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Rose Garden.

During the game, the finalists will compete in an unspecified on-court contest that will determine who gets ‘signed’ to a one-day contract, earning 1/366th of the NBA’s $442,114 minimum salary – amounting to $1,207.96.

In addition to the ‘NBA Salary for a Day’ promotion, Kia’s partnership agreement includes in-game radio inventory on KXL, Rose Garden signage and promotion, a test drive and win promotion, and partnership in one of the team’s community outreach programs.

“We’re happy to welcome Kia Motors to the Trail Blazers family and look forward to beginning what we hope is a very long association,” Trail Blazers President Larry Miller said.

We are pleased to be associated with the Portland Trail Blazers this season,” said Tim Chaney, director, marketing for Kia Motors America. “As a Proud Partner of the Blazers, we are looking forward to a successful and rewarding partnership.”

ABOUT KIA MOTORS

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.” Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

ABOUT THE PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

The Portland Trail Blazers, members of the National Basketball Association (NBA), were founded in 1970, and purchased by Paul G. Allen in 1988. The team’s rich heritage includes 26 playoff appearances, an NBA championship in 1977 and a commitment to community service. With a corporate mission to “Make It Better,” the Trail Blazers strive to help children and their families throughout Oregon and southwest Washington learn, play, grow, get involved and live healthier lives. The Trail Blazers are the first and only pro sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate community service. For more information on the Trail Blazers visit www.trailblazers.com.