Kia’s high-profile sponsorship for the Australian Tennis Open has now jumped the net…………..extending its support for our top tennis events, as well.  Both the ASB Classic women’s tournament and the Heineken Open for the men will benefit from the support of Kia Motors in 2009. Discussions with Tennis Auckland have resulted in Kia being appointed the Singles and Doubles Titles Sponsors for the ASB Classic and the Official Vehicle Supplier of the Heineken Open. The ASB Classic runs from January 5-10 and the Heineken Open runs from January 12-17. Organisers of the two events will be provided with Kia Sportage vehicles for their key officials and the players will be transported to and from the ASB Tennis Centre venue in the luxurious comfort of 8-seater Kia Carnivals. The Korean car maker will also provide other support.  

“This major partnership is about supporting a sport and lifestyle that is embraced by New Zealanders,” says Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand. "As a company we have strong ties with active lifestyles and we see this as a fantastic opportunity to offer our support to the endeavours of New Zealanders participating locally and at a world-class international level. These two events link well with our Australian Open involvement, as well as our support of Davis Cup tennis and our tennis ambassador, Rafael Nadal. With the increased stature of the ASB Classic, excellent profile of the Heineken Open and ’s Marina Erakovic climbing the world rankings, we look forward to our association with ’s only WTA Tour and ATP events.”

Graham Pearce, CEO of Tennis Auckland welcomed the involvement of Kia with New Zealand’s flagship international tournaments, adding: “This sponsorship is important for the sport of tennis in New Zealand and the Kia Motors brand and company philosophy of supporting New Zealander’s sporting lifestyle is a perfect fit.”