A Grand Carnival for Chris O'Brien Lifehouse

SYDNEY – July 12, 2011: Kia Motors Australia has thrown 8-seat support behind Dr Chris O’Brien’s Lifehouse at RPA by providing the organisation with a Kia Grand Carnival.

‘Lifehouse’ is a benevolent not for profit organisation which was established in 2009 to support the Sydney Cancer Centre, which looks after more than 2,000 patients each year.

The Lifehouse Kia Carnival will play an instrumental operations role, transporting patients of the Sydney Cancer Centre to and from their home.

Many of the 2,000 patients live relatively close to the hospital but are either elderly or simply unable to drive.

“Our research indicates that some of our patients miss out on treatment, due largely to transport issues,” said Brent Cubis, Lifehouse CFO. “Kia’s generosity will enable a larger number of people to receive the treatment they need, people who are otherwise dependant on public transport or assistance from family and friends.”

Kia’s Grand Carnival, Australia’s most popular people mover under $55,000, has just received an upgrade resulting in four long wheel base models, Bluetooth across the range and the introduction of the legendary “R-series” CRDi turbo diesel engine to the line up.

Most significant to the model refresh is the discontinuation of the short wheelbase Carnival S, replaced by a long wheelbase Grand Carnival S model. The Grand Carnival Si, SLi and Platinum remain.

Buyers of the Grand Carnival Si, SLi and Platinum models will have a choice of either the 3.5 litre petrol or Kia’s latest 4-cylinder, 2.2 litre CRDi R-series diesel engine. The R-series diesel offers improved power and greater efficiency than the 2.9 litre predecessor and is the driving force behind Kia’s Sorento and Sportage.