IRVINE, Calif., May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Motor Press Guild (MPG), the largest automotive media association in North America, is excited to announce that Kia Motors America (KMA) will offer its members an exclusive first test drive of the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid at the organization's luncheon. Hosted by Kia at their Irvine headquarters on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, attendees will also hear from Kia Vice President of Marketing, Michael Sprague, and from Tom Loveless, Vice President of Sales. Both executives will be reviewing past and present achievements, brand updates and future marketing plans to further the success of KMA.

"We are always looking for ways to broaden the MPG experience for our members, so when Kia Motors America accepted our invitation to host the monthly MPG luncheon, we couldn't have been more thrilled," said James Bell, President, Motor Press Guild. "We are looking forward to the presentation by both Michael Sprague and Tom Loveless, and learning more about the future of KMA."

The all-new Kia Optima Hybrid is major highlight for the MPG luncheon and attendees have the opportunity to check out this new addition and participate in a ride-and-drive experience. It will be the first time any US media will be able to test drive the eco-friendly automobile. The luncheon will start at 11:30 A.M. and end roughly around 2:00 P.M. Member price for the luncheon is $10 and is open to automotive industry professionals and media. The guest/non-member fee is $20. Test-drives for the Kia Optima Hybrid will be offered immediately following the luncheon. Brand discussions will go through an in-depth explanation as to the complete design-led transformation of KMA as well as the recent tremendous brand sales records that KMA has experienced. New concepts and ideas will also be revealed that will showcase the upcoming years at KMA.

ABOUT MPG

The Los Angeles-based Motor Press Guild (MPG) is the largest automotive media association in North America with more than 700 members. This non-profit trade guild is dedicated to promoting professionalism in automotive journalism through education and information exchange. Members include journalists from print, broadcast, visual and new-media outlets as well as public-relations representatives, consumer groups, and governmental bodies tied to the automotive industry.

For media information, please contact Mike Caudill. DRIVEN Public Relations, 951-719-1040 or mike@drivenpublicrelations.com

SOURCE Motor Press Guild