Kia Powers the Australian Open 2025 with a Fully Electrified Fleet

Kia’s long-standing partnership with the Australian Open (AO) has taken an exciting turn in 2025, with the brand introducing its first-ever fully electrified fleet of tournament vehicles. In a groundbreaking move, all 130 vehicles in the fleet are now either fully electric or hybrid-electric, underscoring Kia’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation. This year marks the 24th year of Kia’s partnership with the AO, and it’s clear that the brand is looking to make a statement with its electrified lineup.

A Fleet with a Green Mission

As part of Kia’s major sponsorship, the fleet of vehicles includes the all-electric Kia EV5, EV6, and EV9, alongside hybrid models such as the Carnival, Sorento, and Sportage. These vehicles will serve the transportation needs of players, match officials, and VIPs throughout the tournament in Melbourne, offering eco-friendly travel around the city during the 15-day event.

On January 8, Kia held its fleet handover ceremony at Grand Slam Oval in Melbourne Park, where Australian tennis legend Ash Barty had the honor of officially launching the fleet. This marks a pivotal moment in Kia’s strategy as the company works toward its ambitious goal of becoming a leader in sustainable mobility by 2030.

Kia’s Commitment to Sustainability

Damien Meredith, CEO of Kia Australia, emphasized the significance of the electrified fleet as a key part of the brand’s ongoing sustainability efforts. “2025 is a critical year for the Kia brand, both locally and globally, as we look to scale up our journey as a sustainable mobility provider,” Meredith said. The brand’s “Plan S” strategy, which outlines its roadmap to becoming a sustainable mobility leader, plays a crucial role in this transformation.

Kia’s selection of fully electrified and hybrid-electric vehicles for the Australian Open is a reflection of its dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and encouraging sustainable practices. The fleet will contribute to greener transportation options throughout the tournament, aligning perfectly with the Australian Open’s values of progress and innovation.

Celebrating Progress with the AO

Craig Tiley, the Australian Open’s tournament director, highlighted the natural alignment between Kia and the AO, calling it one of Australia’s most enduring sports sponsorships. “The Australian Open and Kia are committed to cultivating and celebrating the spirit of progress – making us ideal partners,” said Tiley. The electrified fleet will add a fresh layer of excitement to the tournament, with Melbourne streets buzzing with Kia’s environmentally friendly cars as the event unfolds.

What’s Next for Kia and the Australian Open?

The 2025 Australian Open, running from January 12 to 26, will be a landmark event not just for tennis but also for sustainability in sport. Kia’s commitment to providing eco-conscious transportation throughout the tournament reflects the brand’s larger vision for the future. The electrified fleet serves as a symbol of Kia’s transformation into a sustainable mobility leader, and the partnership with the Australian Open will continue to highlight this progress on the global stage.

As the tournament unfolds, the presence of Kia’s cutting-edge electric and hybrid vehicles will serve as a reminder of the exciting changes ahead for both the automotive industry and the world of sport. Kia is not just powering the Australian Open this year – it’s driving the future of sustainable mobility.

Credit: Autotalk.com.au