An event in Queenstown in August which launched the 2011 Kia Sportage to media from Australia, New Zealand and some Asian markets has been judged the world's best by the car's manufacturer.
The public relations team which organised the event has won the inaugural Test Drive of the Year, awarded by Kia Motors to the most outstanding model launch event during 2010.
The Queenstown event beat challenges from Russia, France, the United States, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Colombia.
The award was instituted this year as part of a professional recognition programme for Kia's global PR network and the trophy was presented at its recent conference in Seoul.
The annual awards programme had been introduced to emphasise the importance of PR within Kia's global business.
The New Zealand Kia Sportage launch included a product presentation held in a helicopter hangar at the airport, with a drive programme which took in the proving ground testing facility at the Snow Farm at Cardrona, some of Central Otago's best roads, a winery and a dinner at one of the top restaurants for the 80-strong group.
The Snow Farm facility played a crucial part in the development of some of the key components in the new Sportage, including the Dynamax 4WD system and the localised Anzac suspension.
Kia Motors New Zealand general manager Todd McDonald said it was a great result for the team which put together the successful launch programme, and showed New Zealand could "foot it" with any country in the world.
"There were a lot of people involved throughout the Kia Motors organisations on both sides of the Tasman and we pulled out all the stops to make sure the launch went smoothly and left a lasting impression on the international visitors, as well as our local media.
"I am pleased to say the new Sportage shone as a result of those efforts, helped, I am sure, by the stunning New Zealand high country backdrop."
