Kia Motors and Australian Open, a great set and match for 2006

As the Australian Open springs into action, Kia Motors Corporation enters its fifth year as a major sponsor of the grand slam tennis tournament. The Australian Open has been an excellent match and a successful partner to Kia Motors which has seen both parties mirroring each other’s successes and growing popularity.

Australian Open Chief Executive Paul McNamee said, "There is still a genuine buzz around after the success of our 2005 Centenary tournament which exceeded all expectations. The upgraded facilities at this world class venue, and new City entrance, take spectator access and comfort to new levels."

Kia Motors too has come of age during the partnership. 2006 will reinforce this with the UK launch of the Magentis, the world premiere of a face lifted Sorento SUV, as well as the completely redesigned Sedona MPV and Carens compact MPV.

The long-awaited new compact passenger car, codenamed the ‘E.D.’ designed specifically for the European market and to be produced at Kia’s new plant in Slovakia, will be taking to the roads at the end of 2006.

Along with the Australian Open, Kia Motors has also sponsored the Davis Cup – the largest annual international team competition in sport – since 2003 to represent another step in aligning the Kia brand with the sport of tennis.

Tennis is also supported globally at a local level in Kia’s markets worldwide. Kia Motors UK (Ltd) sponsors grass roots tennis competition, the Kia National Club League involving over 800 clubs in England, Scotland and Wales.