Kia Motors America and CW Network's 'Nikita' Team Up for Mid-Season Premiere

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the exclusive automotive marketing partner of the action-packed hit series "Nikita" on The CW Network, Kia Motors America (KMA) is gearing up for the show's thrilling mid-season return with a special hosted night featuring the cast of Nikita, Thursday, Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.  The 2011 Kia Sportage CUV will be integrated into the episode's fast-moving storyline, and the mid-season premiere kicks off a series of activities and programs, including in-show vehicle integrations, a three-part digital video series, a custom mobile app gaming experience and social networking elements.  The stylish and performance-oriented all-new 2011 Kia Optima also will appear in a future Nikita episode.

As part of the hosted night, Kia will give passionate Nikita fans an insider's look at the show by presenting an on-air and online series titled "Undercover Operations:  Interviews with the cast of Nikita."  Extended content will be available exclusively on www.cwtv.com beginning on Jan. 27.  The videos will give viewers an up-close look at the cast on-set discussing their characters, favorite moments and sneak previews of the second half of the season.  

As the season continues, Kia also will sponsor "Undercover Operations:  with Maggie Q and Lyndsy Fonseca," a  three-part digital video series that gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the main characters of Nikita and Alex.  Launching on February 10, the series will follow Maggie and Lyndsy as they prepare for their roles, from wardrobe and makeup to rehearsing their intense fight scenes.  New pieces will air weekly for three total weeks in conjunction with on-air and online promotion to drive viewers to the series.

Kia will also be the exclusive sponsor of  the mobile application "Nikita:  Spy Training," that will feature an interactive driving game experience for the iPhone® and iPad® (1) and include the all-new 2011 Kia Optima in a Nikita-themed environment to further compliment the sponsorship activities.  The application is scheduled to launch early Feb. and will continue throughout the season.

"Kia Motors' highly acclaimed 2011 Sportage and Optima have been turning heads since their debuts and are a perfect match for innovative programs with a passionate fan base like Nikita," said Michael Sprague, vice president marketing & communications, KMA.  "Attracting youthful audiences to the Kia brand in multidimensional ways is on target with our marketing launch efforts to drive brand excitement."

About the 2011 Kia Sportage

The 2011 Sportage CUV offers image-, safety- and value-conscious consumers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience, the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia's latest new vehicles and an abundance of standard safety features.  Retaining the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage also offers a sleek, modern and boldly styled package with new proportions and a completely new look.  Also recognized as a "2010 Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the all-new CUV received top ratings for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection.

About the 2011 Kia Optima

The all-new 2011 Optima, which stars as the Official Vehicle of the NBA, advances Kia Motors' design-led transformation with completely new and stunning design characteristics, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle.  The all-new Optima's three new powertrains – including the brand's first-ever turbo and hybrid engines (available later this year) in the U.S. – deliver a class leading combination of power (2) and fuel economy (3) while the sedan's spacious cabin is outfitted with the latest technology features and luxury amenities.  Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX (4), the 2011 Optima features a starting MSRP of $18,995. (5)

A "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2011 Optima has earned numerous awards and accolades including a Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" designation and Edmunds' InsideLine.com "Editors' Most Wanted (SM)" Award. The 2011 Optima also had the highest increase in car shopper consideration following the Los Angeles Auto Show according to Edmunds.com.

About The CW

The CW Network was formed as a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation in 2006.  The CW is America's fifth broadcast network and the only network targeting women 18-34.  The CW offers a five-night, 10-hour primetime lineup of original programming that runs Monday through Friday; a one-hour weekday afternoon block; and a five-hour Saturday morning animation block that delivers a total of 20 hours of programming a week over six days.  The network's primetime schedule includes such popular series as "The Vampire Diaries," "America's Next Top Model," "Gossip Girl," "90210," "One Tree Hill," "Supernatural" and "Smallville," as well as freshmen series "Hellcats" and "Nikita."

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) 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 730 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA."  In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com.  For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

1. iPhone® and iPad® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

2.   HP claim based on comparison of 2010 and available 2011 midsize sedans with standard 4-cylinder engine as of December 2010.  Maximum horsepower for Optima 2.4L GDI engine is 200 hp @ 6,300 rpm; maximum horsepower for Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) 2.4L GDI engine -- the only non-turbo engine available in CA, CT, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NM, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT and WA -- is 192 hp @ 6,300 rpm.

3.   MPG claim for LX manual transmission.  EPA estimate for 2011 Kia Optima LX 2.4L GDI engine w/MT are 24 mpg/city and 35 mpg/hwy.  Claim based on comparison as of December 2010 of 2010 and available 2011 EPA city/hwy mpg estimates for midsize sedans with I4, non-hybrid engines. Actual mileage may vary.

4.   SX model will be available later this year.

5.  Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $695 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

SOURCE Kia Motors America