After a year of unprecedented growth and awards, what's the next logical step for a major automotive company like Kia? Well, find some athletic partners, for one. Starting with their partner, NBA all-star Blake Griffin, and moving on to further enhance their involvement in women's professional golf as the "Official Automotive Sponsor of the LPGA" as well as the "Official Tournament Vehicle" of eight LPGA tournaments.

There are many reasons behind this recent decision to expand support of women's pro golf. We think Michael Sprague, Kia Motors America (KMA) VP of Marketing and Communications says it best when he says, "Our growing roster of high-profile sports marketing initiatives, including our presence with the LPGA, have led to dramatic increases in consumer perception, awareness and consideration for the brand."¹

It's a mutual feeling, according to LPGA Chief Marketing Officer Jon Podany. He says, "This is the ideal kind of partnership for us with Kia integrated into so many areas of our business: Golf Channel telecasts, tournaments, LPGA.com and recognizing players with the Kia Performance Awards. Kis is clearly a brand on the rise which mirrors where we are headed at the LPGA."²

How will this play out? Well, in addition to being an official sponsor of the LPGA, Kia will be the title sponsor of the Kia Performance Awards, which will be highlighted throughout the season on Golf Channel's LPGA telecasts as well as on LPGA.com. And, during each Kia-sponsored LPGA event, there will be an official Kia "Hole-in-one" vehicle on a select par 3 during rounds. In addition, the Kia Classic will return to the La Costa Resort and Spa for the next LPGA season.

Needless to say, Palm Kia is excited to see how this and some of the other recent partnerships with major athletic associations play out in the coming years. So, be sure to stayed tuned with us here at 2305 SW College Rd Ocala, FL 34471 for continued news and updates from Kia. Of course, if you want to see why Kia continues to garner unprecedented success, stop in and visit us to check out the entire new Kia lineup.

Source:^1,2http://www.thesportscampus.com/2011112117652/the-business-of-sports/kia-named-official-automotive-partner-of-the-lpga