KIA EV9 Launch

Main category

B2B

Sub-category

3. Product or Service Launch

Watch the event video

Event Description and Key Objectives

Brief was like: the client informed us that the EV9 launch would be unlike anything that had ever been done in Poland. Several key assumptions: • Nature and its power • Electrification • Taking care of nature • Recycling • Oceans • Movement that inspires • Freedom • Wind • Surfing • Clean air • Space (a strongly emphasized aspect – the car is the largest in its class, with a very spacious interior) Kia’s vision was highly emphasized as bold, unique, and intended to set a benchmark for others. Kia sets the standard in automotive, communications, and event markets. The event was to be a RELIABLE and COMPLETE EXPERIENCE of all these components. The client wanted to surprise the event participants from the very beginning. After all, the strategy and the new Kia EV9 are novelty and quality in every aspect. The goal was to showcase the car in a truly innovative way that would align with the brand’s global strategy, in a location that would really accentuate all its mentioned features.

Key challenges

Is Kia bold? Yes. And certainly Kia Poland. Expectations for this launch were enormous. The event was intended both for key customers and dealers (the B2B sector) and, on the second day, for top automotive and lifestyle journalists from Poland (who had seen almost everything). It was to be the launch of the year. And that’s exactly what happened. The challenge was enormous. We knew we had to let go of any previous notions about such events. In this case, however, the challenge was to craft an event presenting an entirely different perspective, a new way of creating this type of function. We wanted to make an impact. We aimed for the launch to receive recognition as Poland’s best automotive event of 2023. Our goal was to show both the invited guests and the entire branch that partnering with Kia is the most lucrative business investment and that the brand has a clear vision, an excellent product, and can outperform the competition.

Basic information about the event

Name of the organiser

PLEJ Agency

Location

Warsaw, Poland

Event duration

19-20.09.2023

Client

Kia Polska

VOTING LINK

Event results

Creativity

No technology can convey wind, clean air, nature, or the vastness of space. Presenting these aspects through fancy technology would be a fallacy. Venue was a creative key aspect. Airport. But not the typical passenger airport found in the cities – rather a secluded one tucked away in the woods, available exclusively for the Kia’s event. It was beautifully nestled within the forest and boasted an extensive 800-meter runway. Creative idea: use the pieces of nature to show the car. Simply put, nature provided us with its elements, and when combined with carefully employed technology (1000m2 mapping on forest's wall, a lighting lane comprising over 400 lights devices-the largest and most breathtaking catwalk in the history of automotive events in Poland), it resulted in an absolutely extraordinary event. Launch-the main idea for showing the car was to keep it in constant motion throughout the show. We designed a 3.5min show sequence during which the car moved according to the scenario.

Innovation

By developing a concept that didn’t rely on costly venue rentals or extensive technical equipment and instead focused on a brilliant idea and utilizing the natural surroundings, We proved that in today’s modern world, it is possible to take a new and innovative approach to the creation and conceptualization by incorporating the natural surroundings. We directly showcased the brand’s association with nature. We highlighted the main assumptions of the strategy. We showed movement that inspires in the beautiful natural scenery that surrounds the airport. We wanted to show a certain natural rhythm during the event. A rhythm of nature into which we would integrate the launch of our electric car. We aimed to naturally fit into the power of the surroundings. Through the venue, the entourage, and the concept, we aimed and managed to convey that when Kia speaks of nature, it truly embodies it in all its magnificence. A total experience.

Execution

The guests had no idea the launch would take place at the Grądy Airport. They took part of regular b2b/media conference in hotel. In the end of this part, the President of Kia informed the attendees that they would be picked up at the hotel.They finally reached the Grądy Airport. They could not yet see the landing strip, the LED screen, or the lights. They were invited into the transparent tent for a drink. Soon after, we asked everyone to come outside and make their way down the airstrip to the grandstand. While walking for more than 100 meters, they noticed an unusual projection on the forest wall. They saw a giant swimming sea turtle, a surfer or butterflies. Then, they were shown an about 7-minute film presenting Kia’s dedication to eco-friendly practices. The film was projected in total darkness. The show: First, a countdown, then a 3.5-minute spectacle amid a row of lights. The car moved in the planned sequences, gliding down the entire runway like a fashion model on a catwalk.

Measurable results

By developing a concept that didn’t rely on costly venue rentals or extensive technical equipment and instead focused on a brilliant idea and utilizing the natural surroundings, we were able to create an event that was not only remarkable but also budget-friendly. The event was hailed as the best car launch in 2023 (many of our guests also attended other car launches that year). According to Kia’s management and staff, it exceeded all expectations and met all objectives. The day after the B2B event, a launch for journalists was held, which generated 652 coverages online, in print, and on TV, reaching an audience of 1811871 and 782161 on social media. Out of the 50 journalists at the event, 28 provided immediate coverage upon its completion. All major trade and lifestyle magazines, as well as nationwide TV channels, TVN and Polsat, featured articles and coverage of this event.

Communication

We used a communication trick. The guests (dealer owners/dealer managers/journalists {the next day}) knew that they were going to the car premiere, but they thought that it would take place in the hotel because such information was included in the invitation, which, apart from the place, included perfunctory information, i.e. .starting time and agenda. Nothing in the communication before the event indicated how spectacular the premiere would be. Because they did not expect what they would see and where, they were surprised and the participants unanimously agreed that it was a great communication idea.

Sustainable practices

Important point to highlight is our collaboration with local suppliers, which helped us reduce costs as well as resolve transportation challenges (the airport is located around 100 kilometers away from Warsaw). Our local vendor cooperations covered a range of services, such as venue arrangements, catering, fire safety, cleaning, and accommodation. We also designed a range of furniture crafted from recycled materials that is still being employed at Kia events.