The Kia Motors X-perience at KIA X Games Asia

SILVERWATER, AUSTRALIA – April 30, 2009: For the third year in a row, Kia Motors is the proud title sponsor of the KIA X Games Asia, which resonates strongly with sports and car enthusiasts around the world.

From 30 April to 3 May, 2009, Kia vehicles and branded kiosks around the stadium will provide visitors to the event, held in Shanghai, China, with the chance to experience the extreme side of Kia.

Three years ago, Kia Motors announced its three-year title sponsorship deal with the Asian X Games, in a line of high profile sport sponsorships by the automaker, including the Australian Open, EUROTOP and UEFA.

Kia Motors had been a presenting sponsor of the competition since 2005 but expanded the partnership to further differentiate Kia's young-at-heart and adventurous brand image in China and other Asian markets, and amongst the emerging generation of new Kia Motors customers around the world.

"We wanted to strengthen our association with this exciting event, which has become recognized in many circles in Asia and around the world," said Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of the International Business Division, Kia Motors Corporation.

"The last two years have seen tremendous growth in the Games as well as the Kia brand, which we hope will only grow as we continue to introduce exciting design-led vehicles into the global auto market place. They resonate loudly with a young, dynamic and sports-orientated audience."

The Kia experience at the KIA X Games Asia will include the chance to get behind the wheel of Kia's exciting new line-up which has slowly introduced the new face of Kia: Forte (known as all-new Cerato in some markets), all-new Sorento, Carens (known as Rondo in some markets), Sportage and Rio.

Photo opportunities with the cars and the chance to be a KIA X Games Fan of the Day also tie in with the overall excitement of the tournament.

More than 200 top action sports athletes from around the world will compete in the tournament over this Asian long weekend. Cash prizes range from USD500-6,000 for the athletes in five different sports categories: aggressive inline, skateboard, sport climbing, BMX and MotoX.

X Games Asia is in its 11th year and will take place in Shanghai, China for the third straight year. The 2009 games are promoted and organized in Asia by ESPN STAR Sports, Asia's No. 1 sports broadcaster.