
Kia Motors stepped up its partnership with The King Center for the 2020 Salute to Greatness Awards Gala, which was held on Jan. 18 in Atlanta.
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia and Kia Motors America have partnered with The King Center for eight years but increased their involvement this year to a Legacy sponsorship, which included donating a 2020 Telluride SUV to support the center’s goal of building Beloved Communities all over the world.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King. The organization is committed to educating the world on the life, legacy and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and inspiring new generations to carry forward his efforts. The Beloved Community is a goal to live in a world without poverty, racism and militarism.
“Kia is honored to support The King Center in its efforts to foster a more inclusive and peaceful society,” said Jang Soo “Jason” Shin, president and CEO of Kia Motor Manufacturing Georgia. “Our company’s core values reinforce the importance of people, collaboration, globality and the spirit of challenge, which encourages positive action beyond the workplace and into the communities in which we live. Given our U.S. manufacturing plant in neighboring West Point, Georgia, we are proud to work with an Atlanta-based organization that shares these values.”
Proceeds from the Salute to Greatness Gala are used to support The King Center’s Nonviolence365® Education and Training, Camp NOW Leadership Academy and Students with King #Nonviolence365® Youth Initiative, as well as other initiatives that expand on King’s teachings and legacy.
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia is the company’s first North America manufacturing site. The plant has an annual capacity of 340,000 units and produces the Telluride and Sorento SUVs and the Optima mid-size sedan.