Kia Performance Awards continue for second season,
winners to receive a new 2014 Cadenza premium sedan
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA, April 3, 2013 – Following the two-hole playoff drama at last month’s Kia Classic, Kia Motors America (KMA) today continued its support of the LPGA with the announcement of a multi-year extension as the Official Automotive Partner of the LPGA. The growing partnership between one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years and Golf’s Global Tour is also supplemented today by the continuation of the Kia Performance Awards, which debuted in 2012. Winners of the 2013 Kia Performance Awards will be rewarded with a 2014 Kia Cadenza,Kia’s new flagship sedan and the most powerful and technologically-advanced vehicle the automaker has ever offered in the U.S.
Spaniard Beatriz Recari won the Kia Classic in a two-hole playoff over I.K. Kim at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, Calif. Sunday’s final round television coverage of the Kia Classic earned the third highest final round viewership among non-majors and Golf Channel broadcasts since 2010.
“The Kia brand continues to grow and mature at a rapid pace, thanks in large part to high-profile sports marketing initiatives such as our involvement with the LPGA, which has significantly raised awareness and consideration amongst the growing numbers of passionate fans of women’s golf across the country,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “As part of our recommitment to the LPGA we are pleased to offer an enhanced prize package for the winners of this year’s Kia Performance Awards and we are looking forward to rewarding some of the tour’s best players and performances with the new Cadenza premium sedan."
As Official Automotive Partner of the LPGA, Kia will support several tournaments with courtesy vehicles, including the inaugural North Texas LPGA Shootout, the 13th edition of The Solheim Cup at Colorado Golf Club outside Denver, and the season-ending CME Group Titleholders.
“Kia is a perfect partner for the LPGA with both brands on the rise in the U.S. and worldwide,” said Jon Podany, LPGA Chief Marketing Officer. “Kia is integrated into nearly every aspect of our business – as a title partner, media partner, official car, and the through the Kia Performance Awards, which were a big hit in their inaugural year with four players driving off in new Kia’s.”
The continuation of the Kia Performance Awards adds to the intrigue of the 2013 LPGA season. Last November, four LPGA stars drove away from the season-ending tournament in a brand-new 2013 Kia Optima Limited. This year, four more will do the same in Kia’s new 2014 Cadenza.
The 2013 Kia Performance Awards are:
- - Kia Power Drive – Won in 2012 by Brittany Lincicome; awarded to the player with the longest average driving distance
- - Kia Drive to the Top – Won in 2012 by Stacy Lewis; awarded to the player with the most top-10 finishes
- - Kia Most Compelling Performance – Won in 2012 by Inbee Park; recognizing a player with exceptional performances throughout the year; this award will be chosen by fans through an online vote
- - Kia Community Assist – Won in 2012 by Angela Stanford; recognizing a player who makes exceptional contributions to charity organizations or community programs
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