The Australian Open has announced that its partnership with Kia will now be extended to 2028.
Kia ambassador and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal launched the 130-car fleet ceremony this week at Federation Square prior to the 2023 competition.
The fleet handover also marked the extension of one of the longest-standing sports sponsorships in Australia, as Kia extended its partnership with the Australian Open for a further five years.
“We could not be more delighted that Kia is extending what is already one of the longest partnerships in Australian sport for another five years,” noted Australian Open Tournament Director, Craig Tiley.
“We deeply value our partnership with Kia which has helped the AO to grow and evolve into the globally recognised sport and entertainment event it is today.
“It’s also wonderful to see this year’s fleet include ten all-electric vehicles, in keeping with Kia’s reputation as a contemporary, innovative and responsible company. Fans know the AO has come to town when the AO branded Kia cars emerge across the streets of Melbourne as they ferry players and officials to and from the precinct.
“Kia and the Australian Open are synonymous in many people’s minds, and we look forward to building on this strong and unique partnership for years to come.”
The 2023 Kia fleet aims to keep players, officials and VIPS ‘moving safely around Melbourne’ throughout January.
It also includes more electric vehicles than ever before, as the car manufacturer looks to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and to becoming carbon neutral by 2045.
Damien Meredith, Kia Australia Chief Operating Officer, added: “It’s been a pleasure to be involved in our own backyard with a world class spectacle like the Australian Open for such a long period of time.
“Both brands have grown and evolved over the course of the partnership and have shared synergies focusing on innovation, technology and sustainability. We’re very proud of our partnership and excited at the prospect of collectively reaching new heights over the next five years.”
