Kia Motors Pulls Out Of Tennis In New Zealand

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 20th November 2012

Kia Motors Pulls Out Of Tennis In New Zealand

epa03285429 Marina Erakovic of New Zealand serves to Roberta Vinci of Italy during their second round match for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 28 June 2012. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA |

In a dose of bad news for tennis in New Zealand , Kia Motors has ceased sponsoring both the [WTA] ASB Classic and [ATP] Heineken Open.

The Star-Times reported that the ASB Classic deal was worth around $100,000 a year, and the car maker provided vehicles for both tournaments and Tennis Auckland throughout the year. Kia also dropped its sponsorship of the New Zealand ’s highest ranked player, Marina Erakovic.

Apparently, Kia has decided to sponsor another popular sport, netball.

“From our perspective, we have one week of brand exposure over early New Year, versus netball which gives us up to five months and exposure every week,” Kia general manager Todd McDonald said. “With the withdrawal of tennis sponsorship in New Zealand for the ASB Classic and our switch to netball, we had to realign some of out existing sponsorships. By default, Marina fell into that category. That sponsorship will come to an end as well this month.”

Tournament director Karl Budge says they have no reason to panic.

“We have reached an agreement with a prestigious European brand that is a perfect fit and it’s something that we’re really excited about moving forward,” Budge said. “I can’t name the company … but we’ve agreed to terms. It’s a really good transaction for us and it’s one I am really happy with. It will set us up better … for the next three years.”