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\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\insurance\wwwallstatecom\kia+motors+nets+nba+star+blake+griffin+as+its+national+spokesman_16000325_800544805_0_0_7021047_300.jpg "Kia Motors nets NBA star Blake Griffin as its national spokesman.")
Ever since Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin soared over a Kia Optima at the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest, the carmaker has seen a dramatic increase in the number of consumers buying cars. As a result, Kia has signed Griffin to a multi-year deal to serve as the company's global spokesman.
Year-to-date sales for Kia have increased 45 percent
In a news release, Kia said it hopes to build upon the "connection forged" between Kia and Griffin when he jumped over the 2011 Optima in February, which Kia turned into a 30-second nationwide television commercial.
Kia reports since the beginning of the year, overall sales are up nearly 45 percent, which it attributes to its sports marketing campaign.
"Blake Griffin is one of the most exciting players in basketball and has proven that he is an all-star on and off the court with extraordinary talent and a youthful, dynamic style that matches the energy and spirit Kia puts into every vehicle it produces," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing and communications for Kia. "Expanding our presence in professional basketball by adding Blake Griffin as a global spokesperson will allow us to continue our momentum."
Kia says it's confident Griffin will help enhance the carmaker's popularity even more by appearing in advertising campaigns and by making public appearances on behalf of the company.
Kia receives high ratings from ALG, Cars.com
The automaker has been the recipient of a steady stream of good news in recent months. Not only have year-to-date sales increased, but several of its models have received glowing reviews. For instance, car valuation company ALG gave the 2012 Kia Sorento a high residual value rating after the carmaker improved the model's fuel economy, and Cars.com listed the 2011 Soul and Forte as being among the best models for its "Top 10 Urban Cars" list.
Blake Griffin had a stellar rookie season in the NBA
Griffin had a successful year as well. In addition to being crowned as the 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk champion, he also received the NBA's Rookie of the Year honor. Furthermore, Griffin was the first rookie to be voted into the All-Star Game since Tim Duncan in 1998, and led his team in various statistical categories, including points and rebounds.
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