Kia turns over 130 vehicles for Aussie Open, opens Kia Arena in Melbourne Park

MANILA: As part of a series of marketing efforts to emphasize the company’s vision for sustainable mobility, Kia Corporation will sponsor the Australian Open 2022 (AO22), the renowned tennis Grand Slam event of the Asia-Pacific region.

As the major partner of the event, Kia conducted an official vehicle turnover ceremony at the Kia Arena in Melbourne Park, graced by Kia and Tennis Australia executives, former Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal, and wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott.

Kia turned over a fleet of 130 vehicles to tournament officials. This includes the Sportage, Carnival, and EV6 electric crossover. The vehicles will serve as the official transportation of the players, match officials, and VIPs during the event from January 17 to 30.

In a statement, Kia Global Brand and Customer Experience Head Artur Martins said, “As the major partner of the Australian Open for over two decades, we look forward to deepening our engagement with millions of fans around the world, while cementing the status of the Australian Open as one of the world’s most exciting sporting events. In line with our commitment to spurring innovation that is inspired by nature, we are pleased to work with Tennis Australia and fans to help preserve oceanic environments around the globe through our ‘Aces for Oceans’ campaign. With each ace served during the AO and fans’ online participation, Kia will assist those aspiring to reach their tennis dreams by donating tennis equipment made with recycled waste materials to the Australian Tennis Foundation.”

The opening of Kia Arena, a 5,000-seat capacity stadium that will stage tournament events, is a significant development for AO22. Kia Arena is the fourth largest Australian Open stadium at Melbourne Park and was built in time for the 2022 edition. Outside of the tournament period, it will be used as a venue for various cultural, sports, and entertainment programs.

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley commended Kia’s two-decade partnership with the AO, saying, “The partnership between Kia and the Australian Open is one of the longest in Australian sport and we value and respect this unique relationship that has helped us grow the AO into the premium global sports and entertainment event that it is today. The Kia fleet, which includes the new all-electric vehicles for 2022, has become an iconic symbol of the AO, with the smartly branded AO Kia cars zipping around the city and keeping the AO on the move. It’s also a testament to our strong relationship that we are standing here beside Kia Arena, a year-round symbol of the friendship between Kia and the AO at Melbourne Park.”

In addition to these events and initiatives, Kia will host an EV6 display booth as well as various marketing activities featuring engaging digital content. As the major partner of the event since 2002, Kia will continue to offer new brand-related experiences to customers across the world using the synergies established by the Australian Open.

Photos from Kia Corporation

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