Kia Canada roars into third consecutive Targa Newfoundland; reveals all-new 'Sign the Car' Facebook app to raise awareness with MADD Canada

• Kia's Motorsports program continues with third annual consecutive entry
• Customized Kia Forte Koup adds digital signatures through all-new 'Sign the Car' Facebook app
• Driving sober messages conveyed nationally through rally and auto shows

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Today Kia Canada announced that they will be participating in Targa Newfoundland for the third consecutive year. A new Kia Forte Koup will have an amplified MADD Canada "I Pledge" design to convey the important message of driving safe and sober nationally.

Professional driver and Autonet.ca journalist, Jacques Deshaies, will take the pleasure of manning the race-ready Kia Forte Koup for the second successive year. This year, his Autonet.ca colleague, Marc Bouchard, will have the honour of being his co-driver. The two automotive journalists will represent Kia's 'Designated Drivers' team and will promote the importance of MADD Canada's mission - to stop impaired driving.

To support Kia and MADD Canada's goal to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving, the Targa Koup will engage Canadian's from coast to coast with the use of a new Facebook application, titled 'Sign the Car'. When users visit the Kia Canada Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/kiacanada, they will find the app in the top right of their screen and be able to pledge to drive sober and sign the vehicle. Pledges before August 10^th, 2012, will reward users by having their name digitally printed on the Targa Koup. After August 10^th pledges can login online again and locate their name on the Koup effortlessly using high resolution imagery making it easy to spot their name on the Koup in person at either Targa Newfoundland, or at one of the many Canadian auto show appearances the vehicle will make this winter.

"Kia Canada is excited to be entering into its third consecutive Targa Newfoundland, the grueling event is a testament to Kia's motorsports legacy that continues to blossom and the underlying reliability of our vehicles," said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Kia Canada Inc. "Additionally, we have elevated the 'I Pledge' program to new ground and hope to engage Canadians with the Targa Koup 'Sign the Car' Facebook app to actively support MADD Canada in educating motorists on the importance of driving sober."

"Kia Canada's 'I Pledge' initiative is an important and unique way to reach Canadians with the crucial message to always drive sober. It is a message that can save lives," said MADD Canada National President Denise Dubyk. "We are proud to partner with Kia Canada in this effort."

Kia Canada has been a pioneer in Targa Newfoundland competition, with a proven track record that stretches back to the first Targa Newfoundland 11 years ago in 2002. Having previous Targa experience, Kia is confident that Jacques Deshaies and Marc Bouchard will make them proud in the competition. Kia was among the earliest corporate supporters of Targa, and aims to heighten their brand's motorsports awareness as well as the MADD Canada 'I Pledge' initiative through their participation.

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]