Kia Canada and Live Nation band together to add second Targa Newfoundland entrant; announce rally co-founder Jim Kenzie as Driver Français
- Kia's Motorsports program grows with customized Optima EX Turbo rally car
- Live Nation partnership evolves with visualization throughout event
- Jim Kenzie, automotive journalist and Targa Newfoundland co-founder, will steer his Targa experience behind the wheel of the Turbo Optima
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Today Kia Canada announced that they will add a second vehicle to participate in the 2012 Targa Newfoundland. The award-winning mid-size sedan Kia Optima, in its powerful EX Turbo trim, sporting a Live Nation partnership livery, will amplify Kia Canada's presence at Targa Newfoundland as well as throughout the 2013 Canadian Auto Show circuit.
Kia Canada is proud to have professional driver, Toronto Star automotive journalist, Motoring TV personality and Targa Newfoundland co-founder, Jim Kenzie, in the driver's seat of the fully-customized Kia Optima Turbo. Having a co-founder of Targa Newfoundland on the team continues Kia's motorsport bloodline from the vehicle to the driver. Kenzie's long-time co-driver, Brian Bourbonniere, will join alongside him in the passenger seat with the same level of Targa racing experience, as they have achieved three previous Open Division victories.
The co-branded Kia Optima Turbo will also further reinforce Kia Canada's partnership with Live Nation as it makes its way through Targa Newfoundland. The vehicle will also be available to be seen in person at 2013 Canadian Auto Shows from coast-to-coast next winter.
"Kia Canada's alignment with Live Nation and motorsports prove to be large cultural draws that continue to build the Kia brand," said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing, Kia Canada Inc. "It is great to be able to compete in the legendary Targa Newfoundland with two vehicles this year, as we have done in the past, and have such talented driving teams controlling both vehicles."
Kia Canada has been a notable manufacturer entrant dating back to the inaugural competition 11 years ago. Kia Canada is pleased to welcome back a previous tradition of entering two vehicles into Targa Newfoundland. Kia plans to heighten their motorsports presence to a new level with the use of the highly-modified Optima Turbo.
"September wouldn't be September without Targa," said Jim Kenzie, "I've done them all, and am delighted to be keeping my streak alive in a brand-new vehicle. The Kia Optima Turbo has already proven itself as a race car; we are looking forward to giving this stylish sedan its rally debut."
Targa Newfoundland begins on September 8th, 2012, and runs through Saturday, September 15th, 2012, where the competitors will cover more than 2,000 kilometres of challenging, twisty roads in central and eastern Newfoundland.
About Kia Canada Inc:
Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 176 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 163 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting & inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
SOURCE: KIA Canada Inc.
Kia Canada Inc. Media Contacts:
Cathy Laroche
Public Relations Manager
(C): 514.554.0843
e-mail: [email protected]
Daniel Ponzini
Public Relations and Events Coordinator
(O): 905.755.6415
(C): 647.462.8986
e-mail: [email protected]
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