IRVINE, Calif., May 19, 2008 – Kia Motors America (KMA), the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA, congratulates the winners of the four season-end awards that are part of the NBA Performance Awards presented by Kia Motors for the 2007-08 season: Sixth Man Award winner, Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs; Defensive Player of the Year, Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics; Most Improved Player, Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando Magic; and Most Valuable Player, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers.

“When Kia teamed up with the NBA to become the league’s Official Automotive Partner, one of the most exciting aspects of our relationship was the opportunity to recognize and celebrate excellence and achievement on the court with the NBA Performance Awards presented by Kia Motors,” said Tim Chaney, director, marketing of Kia Motors America. “As a brand associated with providing value through its dynamic vehicles, it is a natural fit for Kia to recognize the immense value of these on court performances.”

Kia Motors will donate an all-new 2009 Kia Borrego seven-passenger mid-size SUV on behalf of each NBA Performance Award winner to the charity of the winner’s choice. The following charities will benefit from the donations:
# San Antonio – Roy Maas Youth Alternatives on behalf of Manu Ginobili
# Boston – Boston Center for Youth and Families on behalf of Kevin Garnett
# Orlando, Fla. – Parramore Kidz Zone on behalf of Hedo Turkoglu
# Los Angeles – East Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club on behalf of Kobe Bryant

Press release via Kia