Earlier this month, the Experian Automotive Report discovered that almost half of all Kia owners return to the Kia showroom when the time comes for a new vehicle and the Kia Forte has the most loyalty of any vehicle model in America. In other words, if you experience the brand once, you are bound to go back for more. The same thing can be said for Blake Griffin of the L.A. Clippers. After featuring the NBA All-Star in an ad once, Kia Motors America has decided to enlist Griffin again. And this time around, he is "taking things to the next level."¹

As part of a new campaign, the basketball player stars alongside a Kia Optima in a 30-second commercial called "Time to Shine." The ad begins with a voiceover saying, "To get to the next level, you have to be willing to risk it all."²

What follows is largely graphically manipulated but entertaining nonetheless. The Optima revs its engine and takes off with a roller-skating Griffin in tow. After the pair of daredevils acquire a serious amount of speed, Griffin is hurled up a ramp and into the air before catching a basketball shot from a cannon and slam dunking it with ease. Team Kia of El Cajon has watched the ad many times and trust us, message comes across loud and clear: "Kia Optima and Blake Griffin: Taking things to the next level."³

In addition to getting risky with a new Kia Optima, Griffin will take part in other Kia efforts. He will be featured in upcoming commercials throughout the season, take on the role of Kia Motors' global spokesperson and serve as brand ambassador by making appearances at public events. The All-Star athlete and Kia lover will also stay involved with any philanthropic initiatives that the automaker takes on and participate in social media engagements.

Now, just because you see Blake Griffin hanging to a rope off the back of a Kia Optima, doesn't mean you have to. But if you'd like to take your driving experience to the next level, Team Kia of El Cajon invites you to stop by 541 North Johnson Ave El Cajon, CA 92020 and test drive any new Kia model you find.

Sources:

²http://www.youtube.com/Kia
^1,3http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/160936/griffin-dunks-again-for-kia-but-this-time-on-ska.html