CLEVELAND, OH - January 20, 2012 - The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced the renewal of their marketing partnership with Kia Motors America (KMA), the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Kia’s partnership with the NBA and its teams represents its largest U.S. sports marketing effort to date.
“Kia has been an outstanding partner in the ways they have engaged our fans and the Northeast Ohio community with fun and creative initiatives that truly help make a difference,” said Kerry Bubolz, Cavaliers executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We are excited to continue this important relationship with Kia Motors as a proud partner of the Cavaliers and look forward to the new opportunities to come.”
One of the most impactful elements of the Cavs partnership with Kia was its community outreach programs, highlighted by the Cavaliers Surprise Gas Giveaway fueled by Kia. Amid an economic recession and peaking gas prices, the charitable giveaway donated thousands of gallons of gas to hundreds of unsuspecting Northeast Ohioans over the past four years. The community relations initiative targeted economically challenged areas of the community.
“With Kia’s U.S. market share at an all-time high, we are more focused than ever before on continuing to raise the brand’s profile with highly visible strategic partnerships,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Enhancing our presence in professional basketball as the Proud Partner of the Cleveland Cavaliers through the 2012-2013 season will allow us to reach the team’s passionate fans and continue our momentum.”
Entering its fifth year as a partner of the Cavaliers, Kia will continue its vehicle promotional display on the main level concourse of Quicken Loans Arena, and branded seat covers for courtside home team benches. The partnership also includes in-arena exposure including in-game DLP courtside rotational signage for each home game, 360-degree inner bowl fascia and animated graphics on Q-Tube.
Kia will continue to receive in-game radio broadcast spots on the team’s flagship radio station, WTAM 1100 AM. Additional digital media exposure includes naming Kia as the presenter of the team’s weekly Fan Poll and impression campaign positioning on Cavs.com.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America 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 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.