2011/07/02

Kia Canada Inc. brings back ‘Drive Change’ campaign and announces the 1st annual Drive Change Day on August 21st, 2011

KIA CANADA -- Kia Canada Inc., maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart, announced the debut of the 1st annual Kia Drive Change Day on Sunday, August 21st, 2011. Inspired by the 2010 "Drive Change" community initiatives, Kia Canada is proud to promote this campaign which highlights its commitment to social responsibility.

"The Kia brand has been very successful in Canada. In an effort to continue to give back and support our local communities we have launched a compelling campaign that celebrates the spirit of our core belief that we can all drive positive change. To this end, we are soliciting the support of all Canadians to drive change with Kia" said Maria Soklis, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (COO)

In partnership with Shaw Media and all their networks (Global TV, HGTV, Food Network), a national campaign was launched this week to inspire Canadians to take part in the Kia Drive Change Day. A series of television spots were created to inspire and drive to a dedicated website – www.drivechangewithkia.com . Also inspired are Shaw personalities like Anna Olson from the Food Network, Susan Hay from Global Television and Paul Lafrance from HGTV to tell their own "Drive Change" stories. These television spots will be featured on all of Shaw Media properties such as: Global, History Television, Showcase, HGTV, Food Network, IFC, BBC Canada, ET Canada, Global News and History Television. These networks will also produce unique segments that will promote Kia Drive Change. Shaw television personalities will be out and getting involved in their communities on August 21st as well.

Additionally, July 4th will mark the start of a contest open to all Canadians to nominate a community project that could be the beneficiary of a $25,000 cash donation to the charity of their choice.

Everyone is encouraged to visit www.DriveChangeWithKia.com and post a project that they will undertake on Drive Change Day. To drive awareness and encourage involvement, the following touch points have been developed:

• Website: the Drive Change Headquarters – www.DriveChangeWithKia.ca.
• iPhone app: mobile connection to website content
• Social Media: Facebook and Twitter to communicate drive change to the followers