Thirty-Second Spot Showcases Griffin’s Winning Dunk from 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest
- Griffin thrilled the NBA All-Star crowd by flying over the hood of Kia’s midsize sedan
- The all-new 2011 Optima is the Official Vehicle of the NBA
IRVINE, Calif, February 25, 2011 – With a gospel choir singing at midcourt and more than 18,000 basketball fans on their feet at Staples Center, Blake Griffin won Saturday’s 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk by doing something no other NBA player had done before: dunking over a car. As his teammate Baron Davis tossed an alley-oop pass through the sunroof of the all-new 2011 Kia Optima – the Official Vehicle of the NBA – Griffin flew over the six-foot wide hood of the midsize sedan for a powerful two-handed dunk to capture the Sprite Slam Dunk title.
A record television audience watched Griffin’s feat on TNT as 2011 NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm was the most watched in the event’s 26 year history. Footage of the dunk quickly spread online and Kia Motors America (KMA) will salute the rookie NBA All-Star’s accomplishment with a thirty-second television ad featuring Griffin soaring over the Optima.
“Blake Griffin’s incredible feat during NBA All-Star 2011 was anything but average and we are proud the all-new Kia Optima played a role in his Sprite Slam Dunk championship,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Kia Motors is the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and we are tremendous fans of the game of basketball. This new spot underscores the fact that the Optima is not your average midsize sedan and allows us to share the excitement of Griffin’s historic feat with our fellow fans.”
Kia’s thirty-second TV spot using footage of Griffin’s dunk from the 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest will debut today and be accompanied by additional print advertisements. Following Saturday’s contest, Griffin autographed the 2011 Kia Optima he dunked over and the sedan will be provided to one of Griffin’s charitable interests.
About the 2011 Kia Optima
Kia Motors’ stylish midsize sedan advances the brand’s 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[1] and fuel economy[2] while the sedan’s spacious cabin is outfitted with the latest technology features and luxury amenities. A recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick,” the 2011 Optima is available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, with a starting MSRP of $18,995[3].
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 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.
About Blake Griffin
Known throughout the NBA for his high-flying style of play, Blake Griffin has emerged as one of the league’s brightest stars. He was recently named to his first NBA All-Star team and also became the first player to compete in the Rookie/Sophomore Challenge, All-Star Saturday Night and the NBA All-Star game. His clinching dunk over a 2011 Kia Optima secured his first Sprite Slam Dunk championship and provided the lasting image of the weekend.
Blake set a Clippers rookie record (and NBA season high) with 47 points in January. He ranks in the top 3 in the NBA for Double Doubles, Offensive, Defensive and Total rebounds. He is one of three players to be averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds and earlier this season had 27 straight contests where he recorded a Double Double. A rising star in Los Angeles and nationwide, Blake is also active off the court where his Dunking for Dollars initiative provides funds for the fight against childhood obesity.
To learn more about Blake Griffin’s accomplishments on and off the court please visit:
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1 Class claim based on comparison of 2010 and available 2011 midsize sedans with standard 4-cylinder engine as of February 2011. Max HP for non-turbo 2.4L GDI engine is 200 hp @ 6,300 rpm; max HP 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. Max HP for 2.0L Turbo GDI engine is 274 hp @ 6,000 rpm. Turbo engine available only on EX Turbo and SX.
2 With LX manual transmission. MPG class claim based on comparison as of February 2011 of 2010 and available 2011 EPA city/hwy mpg estimates for midsize sedans with I4, nonhybrid engines. EPA estimates for 2011 Kia Optima LX 2.4L GDI engine w/MT are 24 mpg/city and 35 mpg/hwy; for LX 2.4L GDI engine with A/T, 24 mpg/city and 34 mpg/hwy; for 2.0L Turbo GDI engine 22 mpg/city and 34 mpg/hwy. Actual mileage may vary.
3 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.
How New Tire Technology Protects You on the Road – egmCarTech
How New Tire Technology Protects You on the Road – egmCarTech.
Click the link above to learn more about the current technologies being developed for automobile tires. Imagine a tire that keeps itself inflated while turning with the aid of a special pump. Or, tires that do not require any air! Low Rolling Resistance technology is in the works to reduce friction between the tire and the road which improves handling and helps fuel economy!
New Toyota Ad Campaign Reminds Consumers Why It’s the Best-Selling Brand in America
TORRANCE, Calif., February 2011 — Toyota launched a new advertising campaign highlighting the brand’s leadership position as the best-selling retail brand in America. The “#1 For A Reason” campaign will remind people why Toyota continues to be the top brand consumers turn to when buying a new vehicle.
“For three consecutive years, people have purchased more Toyota vehicles than any other brand,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota Division for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “We look forward to maintaining this momentum in 2011 as we continue to focus on fuel efficiency, value, quality and safety.”
The “#1 For A Reason” campaign will highlight some of the sales accomplishments Toyota vehicles have achieved throughout the years, as well bring attention to some of the notable third-party awards Toyota has received for its leadership in safety and overall value. Featured in the commercials will be Toyota’s segment leading products—Camry, Corolla, Prius, RAV4 and Tacoma.
With a full lineup of passenger cars, SUVs and trucks, the Toyota brand offers something for everyone, including Camry, the number-one selling car in America. Camry has retained its sales leadership crown for nine straight years, with more than 90 percent of Camrys sold over the past 15 years still on the road today.
The mid-size Corolla sedan holds the title of best-selling car of all time with more than 8.6 million sold in the U.S. since it launched in 1968. Equipped standard with the advanced safety features of the STAR Safety System, Corolla and four other Toyota vehicles, including Avalon, Venza, Highlander and Sienna, were named as Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety for 2011.
With more hybrids on the road than all other manufacturers combined, Toyota is no stranger to fuel efficiency. The best-selling hybrid in the world, the Toyota Prius, achieves an average of 50 miles per gallon, helping make Toyota the most fuel-efficient lineup of any full-line manufacturer.
For consumers that need cargo and towing capacity, Toyota also offers the best-selling compact truck, Tacoma. IntelliChoice named Tacoma the Best Overall Value in its segment for 2011 along with six other Toyota vehicles, including Tundra, 4Runner, RAV4, Sienna, Prius and Avalon.
The “#1 For A Reason” campaign will begin running at the end of the holiday weekend and continue throughout the month of March. Broadcast commercials and online media will roll out nationally on February 21, with print ads beginning in March. Regional-specific broadcast spots will also run during the same timing and will call out some of the special interest rates and zero-percent financing offers customers can take advantage of throughout the month.
About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers which sold more than 1.76 million vehicles in 2010. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion.
Press release posted from www.toyotanewsroom.com.
Scion Racing Shifts Its Gears for the 2011 Formula DRIFT Series
Earlier this month, Scion Racing announced it would debut its new Drift Race team at Round 1 of the 2011 Formula DRIFT Series.
The new team begins with the return of team owner and veteran crew chief Stephan Papadakis of Papadakis Racing. Papadakis will join forces with Team Need for Speed in the all-new 2011 Scion tC. The Team Need for Speed Scion tC will be piloted by Formula DRIFT’s 2010 Rookie of the Year, Fredric Aasbo.
“I can’t begin to describe how excited the Scion Racing team is to welcome Fredric Aasbo and Team Need for Speed to the Scion family,” says Steve Hatanaka, Scion auto shows and events manager. “Together, the new team, new driver and the new tC will be an extremely competitive trio that will yield some excellent results this season.”
Aasbo joins Scion Racing as a two-time Nordic Drifting Series champion and 2010 Formula DRIFT Rookie of the Year. Aasbo will step out of a 1998 Toyota Supra and into the cockpit of the all-new 2011 Team Need for Speed Scion tC. “I’m truly honored and excited to get behind the wheel of the Team Need for Speed Scion tC,” says Aasbo. “It’s not going to be easy to follow in the footsteps of my idol Tanner Foust, but I know that the combination of the new tC and my thirst for victory, will help get the team on top of the podium.”
Tanner Foust, former Scion Racing drifter, will not be competing in the 2011 Formula DRIFT series due to transitions in his career. “No offense to Papadakis, the team, the fans or the competitors, but the thing that I will miss the most about not drifting this year is that crazy NASCAR TRD V8-powered Rockstar Scion tC,” says Foust. “It’s been an amazing two years behind the wheel of the Rockstar Scion tC. Best of luck to Aasbo and the new Need For Speed Scion tC.”
“There aren’t many people that can match the driving talent and personality of Tanner Foust,” says Hatanaka. “Scion Racing thanks him for a phenomenal two years and wishes him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.”
Aasbo and the Team Need for Speed Scion tC, will join the Scion Racing camp with returning veteran drifter Ken Gushi and the Scion Racing/RSR/Hankook Tire Scion tC. “Gushi and Aasbo are young and gifted drifters that have the determination to get the job done,” says Hatanaka. “Scion Racing looks forward to introducing the new team to the enthusiastic Formula DRIFT fans at Round 1.”
See press release: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/scion/scion-racing-shifts-its-gears-192108.aspx
Prius-When One Becomes More Results!
When Toyota decided to introduce 3 additional Prius models, forming the Prius Family, there was some confusion regarding what to call more than one Prius: Is it Prium? or Priuses? perhaps Prien? With so many possibilities, it was put to a vote on the Toyota website for us to decide. The votes have been tallied and the proper name for the plural of Prius has been announced! Watch the video for the results:
LAST DAY for Camry/Corolla Sweetheart Deals!
2/21/2011-Flemington, NJ – Today is the last day to take advantage of the February Sweetheart Deals on the 2010 Toyota Corolla and the 2011 Toyota Camry! You can get 0% APR Financing PLUS $1000 Down Payment Assistance on these models!
There are also very attractive lease offers PLUS the $1000 Down Payment Assistance as well!
Give James Toyota Scion a call for complete details at 1-800-TOYOTA6 (1-800-869-6826) TODAY! Don’t miss out on these great offers. James Toyota Scion has a huge selection of Camry and Corolla models from which to choose. We have the Camry or Corolla that best suits your needs and budget!
CALL TODAY to schedule an appointment!
Toyota Becomes First Single Line Manufacturer to Sell 3 Million Certified Used Vehicles
Toyota Becomes First Single Line Manufacturer to Sell 3 Million Certified Used Vehicles
Toyota Marks Milestone by Giving Away 3 Millionth Vehicle to Chicago Area Customer
CHICAGO, Ill., February 9, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it is the first single line manufacturer to sell 3 million certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles within program history. Toyota marked the unprecedented event by giving away a 2008 Sienna to the 3 millionth CPO buyer.
The record-breaking sale came on the heels of a milestone year in 2010, when Toyota became the first single line nameplate to break the 300,000 mark for certified used sales. Unit sales of 315,418 in 2010 represented an increase of 18.6 percent over the previous year.
“Our sales success in 2010 validates the tremendous confidence that our customers have in the Toyota brand,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “Our Toyota Certified Used Vehicle program helps our dealers to build a strong portfolio of customers that frequently return to buy a new or certified pre-owned Toyota.”
Earlier today Carter presented a check in the amount of $22,470 to the 3 millionth customer, Sara Hirschhorn of Chicago, Illinois, to reimburse her for the purchase price of the 2008 Sienna. Hirschhorn, a nurse at the NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital in Cook County, traded in a 2002 Hyundai Elantra to become a member of the Toyota family.
Toyota also contributed a matching donation of $22,470 to the NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation in Hirschhorn’s honor to commemorate the sale.
“Toyota offers reliability, which is very important to my husband and me,” said Hirschhorn. “We loved the ride quality and fuel efficiency.”
A mother of two young children, she purchased her Sienna at Schaumburg Toyota alongside a staff she described as “helpful and friendly.”
“We congratulate Sara on her purchase“, said Carter. “With consistently high resale values, Toyota Certified Used Vehicles are a smart choice.”
The Toyota Sienna has won Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Award in the minivan category two years in a row. In 2010, Toyota earned Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Award for Best Brand.
The Toyota Certified Used Vehicle program was established in 1996.
