Kia Motors Challenges Basketball Fans To Test Their Dunking Skills Against NBA All-Star Blake Griffin In 3-D Facebook Game

IRVINE, Calif., March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors' global ambassador, NBA All-Star Blake Griffin, is well-known for his monster slams, and now basketball fans can attempt to out-dunk him in the "Take on Blake Dunk Challenge" 3-D Facebook game.  The "Take on Blake Dunk Challenge" brings the time-traveling experience of Kia's humorous Optima television commercials online as players attempt to dunk their way to the top against four generations of Blake Griffin.  The game consists of four levels of increasingly difficult gameplay as the "Blake" they must beat (Kid Blake, Young Blake, Teen Blake and Present-Day Blake) becomes older and more skilled.  As part of game personalization, players are encouraged to customize their jersey by selecting their favorite NBA team and take screenshots of their most impressive dunks to share with Facebook friends.  

To further engage and reward players, from today through June 2, Kia will launch a supporting "Take On Blake Dunk Challenge" sweepstakes (takeonblakesweepstakes.com/#rules), giving fans the chance to win a variety of NBA prizes, including Blake Griffin autographed basketballs authenticated by Panini; travel and tickets to the NBA Finals or NBA Draft presented by State Farm; and an all-inclusive grand prize trip for two to Los Angeles for a personal meet-and-greet with Blake Griffin, subject to official rules.  Top prizes are unlocked as more people play the game providing a compelling incentive for social media sharing.

"At Kia, we are fans of the game of basketball, and with the excitement of the playoffs on the horizon and the enthusiastic reception to our series of 'Time Travels' spots with Blake Griffin, we wanted to have some fun and give fellow fans the opportunity to challenge one of the most exciting and recognizable athletes in the world," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  "The 'Take on Blake Dunk Challenge' game gives players the opportunity to share great moments with Facebook friends and demonstrate their passion for the sport."

About the "Time Travels" Campaign
The five commercials in the "Time Travels" campaign titled, "Free Throws" (circa 1995); "Football" (circa 1997); "Arcade" (circa 1999);  "Sunblock" (circa 2002); and "Bench Press" (circa 2006), are running throughout the NBA season, and have a presence on all Kia social and digital platforms including Facebook, YouTube and Kia.com.  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. The commercials are viewable now at YouTube.com/Kia, and on television 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 since 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 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[1] capabilities and three months complimentary service, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks, standard Bluetooth^®[2] wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls, and Kia's  UVO powered by Microsoft^® voice-activated infotainment system. Available with three powerful and fuel-efficient engines, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder[3], a 2.0-liter GDI turbo[4] or 2.4-liter Optima Hybrid that achieves up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway[5], the stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan begins at MSRP $21,200[6] for 2013.

Kia:  One of the World's Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands
Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time.  With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.  Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand's "Top 100 Best Global Brands," and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013.  Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company's first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs.  The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry's largest segments has fueled Kia's rapid growth and is complemented by Kia's comprehensive lineup which includes the Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the 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 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA.  In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year.  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.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

[1] 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.

[2] 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.

[3] EPA estimated 24 city /34 highway MPG.  Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle's condition.

[4] EPA estimated 22 city / 34 highway MPG. Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle's condition.

[5] EPA estimated MPG for Optima Hybrid. Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle's condition.

[6] MSRP $21,200 for LX model. MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

SOURCE Kia Motors America