Kia Motors America donates half a million dollars to the American Red Cross - Video Blog

 Kia dealerships nation wide are proud to see that Kia Motors America (KMA) recently made a large contribution, of $500,000, towards the Super Storm Sandy relief effort that's taking place in the Northeastern United States. The $500,000 donation was given to the American Red Cross and will likely be used to purchase food and other supplies while many families are slowly starting to get power back in their homes. Byung Mo Ahn, KMA's and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia's (KMMG) Group President & CEO, talked about KMA's donation towards the relief effort, stating that, "In the aftermath of this historical storm that affected much of the Eastern United States, Kia Motors is committed to providing assistance through the American Red Cross to impacted individuals and communities. Our thoughts go out to those affected by the hurricane, and we hope that our donation will help provide comfort and aid the recovery effort." KMA has also provided outlets for their employees, participating dealerships and vendors to make contributions as well. Source: Kia Motors American
Video Produced By: NBA

Complied By: Josh Martin

American Red Cross Helping Hurricane Sandy Victims - Video Blog

 Produced By: NBA

I have some friends and family who narrowly escaped Hurricane Sandy. If you can afford to help please donate. Below is a press release form the American Red Cross about its effort to help hurricane victims.
Source: American Red Cross Press Release WASHINGTON, Sunday, November 11, 2012 — This weekend, the American Red Cross has a major effort underway to hand out relief supplies while continuing to provide meals, shelter and comfort to people throughout New Jersey and all five boroughs of New York. “Every day Red Cross volunteers are loading trucks and traveling to affected neighborhoods with food and supplies. Our disaster workers are carrying these relief items up multiple flights of stairs in high rises, doing whatever we can to reach more people who need help,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the Red Cross. “We understand that people are living in very tough conditions and we are doing everything possible to assist them during this difficult time.” Throughout neighborhoods devastated by Sandy, Red Cross volunteers are handing out thousands of bags stuffed with relief supplies such as cleaning, hygiene and comfort items over the weekend. Approximately 90 percent of the more than 5,700 Red Cross disaster workers deployed are volunteers who have left the comfort of their home and family to help those in need. In addition to delivering relief supplies, the extensive Red Cross feeding operation in partnership with the Southern Baptist Convention continues, with kitchens and fixed feeding sites spread across New York and New Jersey. With more than 300 emergency response vehicles circulating through the region, volunteers also continue to provide mobile distribution of water, food and supplies to affected neighborhoods. Visit http://newsroom.redcross.org for more information. The Red Cross response to Sandy is massive. To date, the Red Cross has helped families and individuals in ten states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico affected by Sandy. The Red Cross has: Served more than 4.8 million meals and snacks Provided more than 70,100 overnight stays out of a total of 130,000 provided by all organizations Made more than 43,800 health services and emotional support contacts Handed out more than 477,700 relief items HOW TO HELP The Red Cross has been helping people since before Sandy made landfall and will continue to help for weeks to come as families get back on their feet. The response is likely to be the biggest Red Cross response in the U.S. in the past five years. Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. They can also use the “donate” feature on the free Red Cross Apps for mobile devices to support this relief response. Contributions may also be sent to local Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Contact: Public Affairs Desk Telephone: (202) 303-5551 (FOR MEDIA ONLY)
Complied By: Josh Martin

NBA All-Star Blake Griffin Travels Back In Time - Video Blog

 Kia Spokesman Offers Career Guidance to Younger Version of Himself and Shows Off His Futuristic Optima Midsize Sedan and Kia's UVO Powered by Microsoft Voice-Activated Infotainment System[1] - 30-second "Free Throw" and "Football" spots are the first in a series of five commercials featuring Griffin's dry sense of humor - Campaign tips-off with the start of the 2012-13 NBA season and includes broadcast, digital and social media elements IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With the 2012-13 NBA season about to tip off, Kia Motors' global brand ambassador, superstar Blake Griffin, is back in a series of humorous new television commercials featuring the fast-growing automaker's best-selling Optima midsize sedan and innovative UVO voice-activated infotainment system. In the five 30-second spots, Griffin offers helpful suggestions to younger versions of himself as Kia's UVO voice-activated infotainment system takes his futuristic Optima on a time-traveling musical journey through the mid-1990s and early-2000s. Griffin's deadpan delivery and dry sense of humor shines in the first two commercials as he urges younger versions of himself to forget about playing football and spend more time practicing free throws in another spot. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121029/LA01622) Beginning tomorrow, the first two commercials – titled "Free Throw" (circa 1995) and "Football" (circa 1997), will debut on television with three additional spots scheduled to roll out throughout the NBA season, along with a presence on all Kia social and digital platforms including Facebook, YouTube and Kia.com. "Blake turned people's heads after his famous dunk over a Kia Optima in the Sprite^® Slam Dunk contest at NBA All-Star 2011, and his on-court talent combined with his unique comedic style and personality have translated into a powerful partnership that has helped raise awareness and brand perception for Kia," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. "Griffin is one of the most exciting and recognizable young athletes in the world, and this latest campaign pairs Griffin's basketball wisdom and athleticism with the youthful style, performance and cutting-edge technology of our wildly popular Optima midsize sedan and the award-winning UVO infotainment system." Created by David&Goliath, KMA's advertising agency of record, the Griffin spots were helmed by renowned director Paul Hunter, who directed last year's commercials featuring Griffin and is credited with award-winning spots for Nike and Burger King. "Free Throw" and "Football" are available now atYouTube.com/Kia, and will make their television debuts tomorrow on network and cable programming. About Blake Griffin Selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, Blake Griffin took the NBA by storm in his rookie season and broke records every step of the way. Known for his high-flying dunks and unwavering physicality, Griffin competed on the 2011 NBA All-Star Team, the first rookie All-Star voted to the game by coaches sinceTim Duncan in 1998. He won the 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk contest, participated in the NBA All-Star Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam, and was named the 2010-11 NBA Rookie of the Year. A highlight reel sensation equipped with the size, strength, quickness and skill to keep his household name buzzworthy for many years to come, Griffin has transformed the Clippers into a must-watch franchise. A native of Oklahoma City, Okla., the 6'9" power forward attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was one of the highest rated and most decorated recruits in Sooners history. A media magnet, Griffin already has earned numerous accolades, including the Oscar Robertson Trophy, Adolph Rupp Trophy, John Wooden Award, Naismith Award, Sports Illustrated Player of the Year, multiple NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors and many more; for more information go to www.blakegriffin.com or follow him at @blakegriffin. About the 2013 Kia Optima With a luxury appearance and a refined interior, the 2013 Optima is available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, and offers a wide array of convenience and luxury as well as impressive technology features like an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SiriusXM Traffic™ Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service[2], auxiliary and USB audio input jacks, standard Bluetooth^®[3] wireless connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls, and Kia's new UVO powered by Microsoft^® voice-activated infotainment system. Available with three powerful and fuel-efficient engines, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder[4], a 2.0-liter GDI turbo[5] or a 2.4-liter hybrid that achieves up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway[6], the stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan begins at $21,200[7] for 2013. Kia's Unprecedented Growth Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[8] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[9]. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan. About Kia Motors America Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S[10]. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies. Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website –www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. [1] UVO is optional equipment and available with select packages. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. * The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United Statesfrom U.S. and globally sourced parts. [2] Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com© 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. [3] The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth® wireless technology enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology. [4] EPA estimated 24 city /34 highway MPG. Actual mileage will vary. [5] EPA estimated 22 city / 34 highway MPG. Actual mileage will vary. [6] EPA estimated MPG for Optima Hybrid. [7] MSRP for Optima LX, excludes $775 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary. [8] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study. [9] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis. [10] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending September 2007 andSeptember 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands