With the 2010 Australian Open tennis tournament kicking off today, Kia has provided another fleet of new cars to transport players, officials and media throughout the two week competition.

Kia Motors Australia President and CEO, MK Kim, presented 101 specially equipped courtesy vehicles to the CEO of Tennis Australia, Steve Wood, at Melbourne Park this morning.

The fleet, which includes the Grand Carnival, Sorento and the Soul will be driven by around 200 specially trained volunteer drivers who are expected to clock up more than 300,000km in thousands of journeys during the Open.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr Kim said the fleet of Kia courtesy vehicles had always been an integral part of the brand’s commitment to the Australian Open.

“Kia Motors is a proud supporter of world tennis, through its major sponsorship of the Australian Open,” said Mr Kim.

“Tennis echoes the ‘enabling and exciting’ attributes of the Kia brand and the sport’s international appeal makes it a natural fit with Kia’s growing position as a global automaker.

“I wish Steve Wood, the Tennis Australia team, officials, volunteers, spectators and of course all competing players a very successful and enjoyable tournament and I look forward to being part of this major event over the next two weeks,” Mr Kim said.

Mr Wood emphasised the importance of Kia’s dedication to the tournament.

“The Kia courtesy fleet is an intrinsic part of the Australian Open. The sight of the Kia fleet ferrying players, media and officials around Melbourne contributes to the tangible excitement and buzz that the AO brings to the city of Melbourne.”