If you enjoy basketball “King James is a well-known moniker. The self-styled “Lebron James, the best player in the world (yes, he really said that), has a sizable collection of vehicles, but one in particular recently caught the attention of the country. People on the Internet were up in arms over his Kia K900, the vehicle he promotes in a number of Kia advertisements that started in December, and whether or not he genuinely owns and drives a Kia. It turns out that there is some validity to the assertion.
Kia hired James as a spokesperson for the company back in 2014. Approximately 30,000 tweets have mentioned the James-Kia relationship, according to a December Wall Street Journal article. Many of these comments questioned the truth of the allegation that one of the highest-paid basketball players would ever drive a Kia. The narrative continues by describing King James’ 2014 request to drive the K900 before it was released. Following the development of their friendship, Kia hired the legendary basketball player as a spokesperson. James receives about $45 million annually in endorsement money from companies like Coca-Cola, Nike, and Kia, though Kia hasn’t revealed how much it pays him.
That there has been so much doubt over James and his Kia is not surprising. Consumers typically feel that way about sports and auto endorsements, according to the Journal. Customers find it difficult to imagine that professional athletes would choose a Buick (like Tiger Woods) or a Kia (like James), mostly because they make so much money. Kia has also frequently sponsored athletes in the past. They are the NBA’s official car sponsor, and until 2017 NBA uniforms will feature their emblems everywhere.
A word of caution: James actually owns several vehicles in addition to the Kia. A wrapped Lamborghini, a Porsche 911 Turbo S, a hideously white Camaro SS, and a Ferrari F430 Spider are just a few of the infamous, if not slightly questionably colored, vehicles in his collection. Given that the majority of his collection is white, he certainly has a thing for the hue. There is no information on whether James purchased his K900 or if he received it as part of a Kia contract. No information has been released regarding whether he must drive it at predetermined intervals to demonstrate that, in fact, he does drive a Kia.
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LeBron James is a Kia athlete.
LeBron James is supporting Kia, which may surprise some people given that he is one of the most marketable players in the world.
The basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers inked a contract with the automaker to serve as the face of its K900, a new luxury sedan.
Before Wednesday’s game between Cleveland and the Indiana Pacers in Cincinnati, James stated, “They’re also the main sponsor of the NBA and they done a lot of wonderful advertising as far as the game.” “And me being one of the best players in our league, I believed it was fitting to attempt to promote the game.”
James, a car lover, reportedly asked his business partner Maverick Carter if he may drive the new $66,000 car around this past summer. James has previously donated Kia cars he received as a result of winning the league’s MVP award to charity.
The NBA’s official vehicle, Kia, which is entering its seventh season as such, gladly complied.
Although the multiyear, multimillion-dollar contract’s terms were not made public, the business will employ James in already-shot television commercials.
James stated, “I want everything I do to be true to who I am. “In terms of what they stand for, they’re a fairly good company to work with. Just being able to be with them makes me happy.”
When James shared images of the automobile on Instagram in August, he gave away his plan.
According to a source, James must drive himself to Cavaliers games as part of the agreement. It’s comparable to Tiger Woods’ previous Buick contract, which called for the golfer to attend events driving the car manufacturer.
James is not required under the agreement to just operate the K900, though. He owns more than 20 vehicles in his collection, including a Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Maybach, and Rolls-Royce.
This transaction is not a danger for us, Carter declared. He is a huge fan, he likes vehicles, and he owns a K900.
Carter claimed James persuaded one of his other sponsors to utilize the K900 in a commercial by using his clout. James and “Mr. Monopoly” are riding in the backseat in a McDonald’s space as they enter Cleveland.
Before hiring James, Kia performed some research. According to data the firm received, James is among the top 1% of celebrities who influence the 40+ age group, which is the target market for this car.
James won’t feel the need to sell Kia’s most expensive vehicle right away. Kia has nine vehicles in its lineup. Selling an automobile that is $20,000 more expensive than the next-highest-priced vehicle is going to be difficult and take some time.
Only 1,106 K900s were sold by Kia in the United States from January to September of this year, compared to more than 122,000 Optimas, the South Korean automaker’s best-selling model, which it also extensively promotes thanks to its partnership with the NBA. The K900 presently accounts for 0.2% of brand sales in the United States.
Chaney declared, “This is not simply about selling a few high-end vehicles. “We are counting on LeBron to raise the profile of our brand.”
The 420-horsepower vehicle boasts a V8 engine, heated and reclining rear seats, leather upholstery, and wood trim.
In its 20 years in the United States, Kia has experienced exponential growth. The automaker claims it is on track to sell more than 500,000 cars in the nation for the third year in a row. It has surpassed brands like Starbucks, Johnson & Johnson, and MasterCard to become the 73rd most powerful brand in the world, according to Interbrand.
James has never had a car deal, but his mother gave him a $50,000 Hummer H2 as a gift during his final year of high school, which allowed him to become associated with one particular brand earlier in his career.
Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers, Michelle Wie of the LPGA, and Rafael Nadal of tennis are all Kia endorsers. The company also supports the Australian Open and the FIFA World Cup.
Nike, Coca-Cola (Powerade), Beats By Dre, McDonald’s, Samsung, Audemars Piguet, and Dunkin’ Donuts throughout Asia are just a few of James’ current endorsement relationships.
What vehicle is LeBron’s favorite?
The pinnacle of luxury, a Rolls-Royce Phantom is undoubtedly LeBron James’ finest automobile. This car, which has a V12 engine and a top speed close to 250 km/h, is said to have been purchased for LeBron James by his former teammate Shaquille O’Neal, who is reportedly a billionaire at the moment. A Rolls-Royce is unquestionably suitable for a King and is always the pinnacle of luxury automobiles.
What vehicle is LeBron’s fastest?
The Aventadore has a 6.5 liter V12 engine and is expected to cost US$670,000. With a top speed of 300 km/h, the supercar accelerates the driver from 0 to 100 km/h in just three seconds. James has three Ferraris, including the 599. James purchased the model in 2009 for his 25th birthday, according to Complex.
Michael Jordan drives what kind of vehicle?
Jordan frequently drove his Ferrari, which he adored. Jordan was fascinated by the Italian brand but had a soft spot for Porsches.
Throughout his NBA career, Jordan had the 930, 964, and 993 models. Interestingly, the Porsche he possessed served as the source of inspiration for the pattern design of the Air Jordan VI sneakers. Since 1963, the German company has produced the sports automobile and has been able to continue doing so. Porsche has continuously improved the 911 throughout the years, and the vehicle came in fifth in a global election to choose the Car of the Century.
How does Kevin Durant’s vehicle look?
The legendary race car, often known as the “Ferrari Killer,” won the Le Mans 24 Hours four years in a row and is now exclusively possessed by the extremely wealthy.
Durant’s collection also includes a $200,000 Ferrari California, a customized all-red Camaro SS, and the tough off-road favorite, the Jeep Wrangler.
The 2007 second-overall pick also has a magnificent fourth-generation Lincoln Continental and a Cadillac Escalade, rounding off the impressive lineup.
The entire fleet surpasses LeBron James and his prized Lamborghini Aventador Roadster to rank as the most costly car collection of any NBA player.
The Los Angeles Laker may have fifteen more cars at his disposal, but their combined value is less than Durant’s.
What Is the 2020 Kia K900?
Kia’s premier full-size sedan is the K900. It is propelled by a standard 3.3-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with 365 horsepower that is mated to an eight-speed automated transmission. All-wheel drive is required. The Cadillac CT6 and Genesis G90 are rivals.
What Features in the 2020 Kia K900 Are Most Important?
A 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system, satellite radio, a Lexicon premium stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, wireless device charging, heated power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power trunk lid, a power-adjustable steering column, a power rear sunshade, rear side window shades, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are all standard convenience features.
A 360-degree video system, a driver attention monitor, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and automatic high beam headlights are just a few of the standard active safety features.
Should I Buy the 2020 Kia K900?
The K900 delivers numerous luxurious features at an alluring price even though it doesn’t bear the emblem of a conventional luxury brand. The multimedia system is outstanding, and the V-6 powertrain provides quick acceleration. Compared to other conventional luxury cars, the interior luxury is lacking, but the cabin is still cozy and spacious.
Which businesses back LeBron James?
The Lakers star has lucrative endorsement contracts with numerous companies. In addition to his salary as an NBA player in 2020, James received an additional US$60 million from endorsement deals, according to Forbes. TwoK Sports, AT&T, Beats Electronics, Coca-Cola, GMC, KIA Motors, Nike, RIMOWA, Walmart, Ruffles, Tonal, Mountain Dew, and Wheaties are a few of the brands he has endorsed. Details on a couple of his endorsements are provided below.
Ruffles
To introduce the fans to new ridges marketing, LeBron formed a multi-year collaboration with the official NBA chips brand Ruffles. These advertisements seek to motivate Americans to overcome hurdles in life and achieve their objectives. James was chosen as the spokesperson for this campaign, which debuted in December 2020 and consists of several other ads on social media, in retail, and elsewhere.
Tonal
Lebron James invested in Tonal, a “smart home gym,” in 2019. As one of the greatest athletes of all time, LBJ uses the brand’s equipment in his own gym and promotes exercise and health through co-branded ads.
Lebron is only one of more than 30 brand investors, including elite athletes like Serena Williams, Steph Curry, and many others, in Tonal, which aids players in strengthening their physical conditioning. The fact that Tonal has 90 percent of the market share in the strength-training sector demonstrates what a wise investment the Lakers player has made.
Mountain Dew
LeBron James joined together with Mountain Dew to launch the MTN DEW rise energy in 2020. This new energy drink was created to increase the body’s immune system and jump-start the morning.
The multi-year PepsiCo partnership with James activates PepsiCo’s portfolio in unusual and surprising ways, including the Snack category, and includes Beverages with MTN DEW RISE ENERGY.
AT&T
A long-term collaboration between AT&T and James has been established with the goal of advancing society via the use of technology, entertainment, and innovation while also promoting AT&T’s newest goods and services.
As part of the agreement, James will participate in the AT&T TV national ad campaign, which will debut in March 2020. As part of this comprehensive initiative, AT&T has pledged to create graduate hotels for students and families in need of immediate safe and stable accommodation as well as a learning institute devoted to the Lebron James Family Foundation.
KIA Motors
Since 2014, LeBron James has served as the luxury ambassador for Kia Motors. He joined with the automaker in 2018 to produce the LeBron James Stinger GT, a racing sports vehicle.
Space Jam
When Space Jam 2: A New Legacy was revealed in 2014, it was a highly anticipated film for fans. After filming began in 2019, LeBron assured fans that the COVID outbreak had no impact on the project because only animation work remained. According to reports, LeBron earned hundreds of millions of dollars from the film as the lead actor, and it debuted to US$31.6 million at the box office.
Beats by Dre
James signed a promotion contract with Beats in 2008, earning more than $1 million per commercial, before investing in a small portion of the business. LeBron received US$30 million when Apple purchased the business for US$3 billion a few years later. After the takeover, the super star allegedly made even more money than $500 million.