The NBA Playoffs are on the horizon, with two Play-In games left to decide the contenders against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics in the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively. Kia, an official NBA partner, aims to deepen its involvement in basketball.
Their strategy? Utilizing their Digital Features and Services platform to engage NBA basketball fans who also happen to be EV owners. Kia will introduce over-the-air updates for Display Themes on the EV9, enabling owners to customize their 12.3-inch instrument cluster with colors and logos representing all 30 NBA teams.
Future Kia models with the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system will also receive these NBA themes through Digital Features and Services OTA capabilities. Whether showcasing allegiance to the Golden State Warriors or the Chicago Bulls, owners can personalize their instrument cluster and infotainment screens.
Steven Center, Kia America COO, and EVP expressed excitement about this crossover between basketball and vehicle personalization, hinting at more themes and collaborations in the future.
NBA Display themes will be available for purchase for $39.99 per team through the Kia Connect Store’s Digital Features and Services, accessible via the Kia Access app or the Kia Owner Portal. Though some may find the price steep, the integration of NBA themes adds another layer of customization to Kia’s EV lineup.
As for the EV9, its recent accolades, including World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle at the 2024 World Car Awards, solidify its appeal. Starting at $54,900 for the Light RWD specification, with a $4,300 option for the Light Long Range RWD variant, the EV9 offers both performance and customization. Turning to the NBA Playoffs, anticipation mounts as matchups finalize, promising an exhilarating postseason.
