Kia Customer Loyalty Trip to Seoul

Winners of 2012 Canadian Kia Superfan Contest

Back: Sam Baird, Elaine Baird, Larry Dalli, Paula Poirier, David Poirier, Trevor Smith, Wendy Smith
Front: Sebastien Fortin, Maxime Dubois

Four loyal Canadian Kia fans won an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Seoul, Korea. They were accompanied by Larry Dalli, Kia Canada Parts Marketing Manager. Why did these four win?  

Atlantic Region Winner David Poirier has owned 5 Kia vehicles since 1999. He  convinced his father to buy Kia vehicles and, so far, between the two of them, they have owned eleven. In 2012, he married Paula and drove up to his wedding in a brand new Kia Rio.

Eastern Region Winner Sebastien Fortin bought Kia Forte Koup SX in 2010 and launched Kia Forte car club in Quebec (en français) on Valentine's Day in 2011. In 2012, the club expanded to include all models of Kia. The club has more than 550 members. See the club website, http://www.clubkiaquebec.com.                                                                                                    

Central Region Winner Trevor Smith bought Kia Rondo EX in 2008 and traded it for a 2012 Kia Soul. He is a regular contributor to online Kia forums.

     http://www.kiasoulforums.com/ He has posted more than 3000 times since 2010

     http://www.kia-forums.com/   more than 2800 postings since 2007.
Western Region Winner Elaine Baird bought Kia Soul in 2011, named her Soul "Emma, 애마", and created this blog. The story of 애마 begins here, http://elainekiasuperfan1.blogspot.ca/2012/03/reasons-why-i-am-kia-superfan.html.

In Seoul, on September 3, 2012, we were joined by winners from ten other countries. Seventy-five people were treated like royalty by their Korean hosts.

Photo from Korean news http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/print.htm?idxno=2012090411162301295&udt=1



Kia factory tour.

Hyundai Steel factory where raw iron ore is transformed into steel.

Korean Folk Village


During five action-packed, fun-filled days, we toured Kia Headquarters, Kia factory, Hyundai Steel factory, Korean Folk Village, a traditional fortress and a royal palace. We attended an amazing theatre production, "Nanta" (Cookin') and made a traditional Korean mask at Korea House. All our meals were first-class, and our hotel, JW Marriott, luxurious. Our tour guide was charming, knowledgeable, and helpful. This trip was perfect and I wish that I could win it again next year. What else can I say?

To Kia Motors, thank you so much, 감사합니다.

Kia Superfan Trip Winner



                                                                                      Yes, I truly am a Kia Superfan, as is my car-driving doggy, Whispy, shown above with the friendly people at Kelowna Kia where I purchased my Soul, 애마, from John O'Callaghan (second from right).

I will be going on a trip for two to Seoul, South Korea, September 2012, and taking my son with me (the second ticket is not for dogs, but I'm not complaining).


Rear view of Summertime Soul, 애마 

If you see this on the road, you are following a winner.

Kia Soul Cargo Space

All of these items fit in my Soul's cargo space (maybe not all the same time :)

To gain an idea of how much cargo capacity my Kia Soul has, please check out my video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLWYrng0-YI

Soul for the Outdoors: Fishing, Hunting, Camping

Kia Soul - Party Van!

Comfort

Roomy backseat

Easy to Drive

Whispy enjoys the ease of handling.

Good rear visibility

Kia Soul Digital Sketch

Kia Soul with Passenger, Whispy

Pop-Art Kia Soul

Why Am I a Kia Superfan?

A year ago, my Korean student, Steve, and I drove to Kelowna to pick up my brand-new Kia Soul. On the three-hour return trip, we discussed naming the new vehicle. Out of nowhere, Steve suggested “Emma”.  Why Emma? I wondered. The answer: In Korean, Emma (애마) means “favourite horse”. Seen from the front, the Soul has the appearance of a powerful, yet gentle, horse. Over the past year, I have come to appreciate the fine features of 애마 – her head-turning good looks, ease of handling, roomy cargo capacity, fuel economy, comfort in summer and winter…. Whatever the destination; from my small town to a big city, from river-kayaking to skiing on snow-capped mountains, 애마 takes it in stride. She is a truly great vehicle for all reasons and all seasons. I am such a fan that I have been inspired to create this blog to display her stellar qualities. 

My name is Elaine, my car is 애마, and I am a Kia Superfan.

My Kia Soul is a vehicle of distinction. Its unique design suits my every move. It's hip! It's happening!

This is the first in a series of photos illustrate why I'm a Kia Superfan.

Wherever I want to go, 애마 takes me there in style.