KIA MOTORS AMERICA LAUNCHES BOT FOR MESSENGER TO INTRODUCE CONSUMERS TO THE ALL-NEW NIRO HYBRID UTILITY VEHICLE
Kia is Among the First Automotive Brands in the U.S. to Utilize Facebook Messenger
- Interactive Nirobot chat experience features full screen galleries, guided vehicle discovery, expansive technical knowledge, step-by-step tutorials, test drive scheduling and more
- The no-compromise Niro stakes claim to a unique position between the hybrid-electric vehicle and CUV segments with a targeted 50 MPG combined1
IRVINE, Calif., November 17, 2016 –Kia Motors America (KMA) today launched NiroBot, a new bot for Facebook Messenger, to deliver instant access to comprehensive product information for the all-new 2017 Niro which is scheduled to begin arriving in showrooms soon. Messenger is used by more than 1 billion consumers monthly, and those accessing the NiroBot for Messenger will benefit from comprehensive vehicle information, interior and exterior galleries, multimedia product overviews and the ability to schedule a test drive of the first Kia vehicle to make use of an all-new, dedicated eco-car platform.
A key component to Kia Motors’ Green Car Roadmap, the Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) is the no-compromise choice that combines driving enjoyment with eye-catching design, functional utility and hybrid efficiency, thereby striking the perfect balance for today’s consumers and staking claim to a unique position between the hybrid-electric vehicle and CUV segments. As part of Kia Motors EcoDynamics philosophy, the Niro represents an important next step on the path to nearly tripling the brand’s global green car line-up by 2020. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is due to be added to the car’s line-up later in its life-cycle.
“The all-new Niro is like nothing else on the road today, and kicking off our pre-launch strategy by breaking new ground with our bot for Messenger that will make the new car research process much easier and more efficient for shoppers,” said Kimberley Gardiner, director of marketing, KMA. “The user friendly interface combines the experience of being in a showroom with the convenience and mobility today’s car buyers are looking for as users interact with the NiroBot at their own pace and focus on the specific areas that interest them most.”
The NiroBot will offer real-time, interactive product modules, galleries and specifications, as well as the ability to schedule test drives in advance of the vehicle’s arrival in dealerships.
Developed and implemented by Ansible, KMA’s agency partner, NiroBot features full screen galleries, guided vehicle discovery, rich product specification menus, deep linking to kia.com, expansive technical information regarding the vehicle, step-by-step tutorials and test drive scheduling calendars on an easy-to-use interface. Additionally, the NiroBot can connect the user to a live Kia representative at any time during engagement.
“Word of mouth remains the most influential, and coveted, form of brand communication. However, when launching a car and building awareness in a crowded marketplace it’s hard to achieve,” said Travis Johnson, global president, Ansible. “We created the NiroBot to be everywhere our customers are – in chat platforms – and allow them to have a natural conversation about the Niro enhanced throughout by multimedia such as videos, images, links and even the ability to register for a test drive.”
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea KMA proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and set an all-time annual sales record in 2015, surpassing the 600,000 unit mark for the first time in company history. Kia offers a complete line of vehicles in the U.S., including the rear-drive K900** flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Soul Electric Vehicle***, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door subcompacts and the Sedona minivan, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States. Kia’s North American manufacturing operations include plants in West Point, Georgia*, and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Information about KMA and its full vehicle line-up is available at www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
About Ansible
Ansible is a full service mobile marketing and technology agency. Ansible is the most awarded mobile agency globally, amassing more than 60 Global awards in the past 18 months including the prestigious accolades of “Most Innovative App” and “Best Mobile Marketing” at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Ansible’s global team of strategy, media, creative and solution specialists help clients navigate the complexity brought by ever-changing consumer behavior and technology. Ansible works with many of the world’s leading brands including Sony, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Johnson and Johnson and Exxon Mobil. Ansible is a part of The Interpublic Group. Learn more at www.Ansibleww.com
* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.
** K900 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.
*** Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.