Joomla Login LightBox powered by WowJoomla.com

The global build up to one of the biggest sporting events in the world will briefly touch New Zealand in early March.  Hyundai, a core sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™” will kick off a nationwide tour of two giant footballs known as the Hyundai Goodwill Balls.

Kiwi fans will have the opportunity to write on the balls with their messages of support for the All Whites.  The Goodwill Balls, which measure four metres across, will tour the country visiting all Hyundai dealers. The tour finishes in Wellington where they will then be shipped to South Africa, so they can sit on the field for every All Whites match.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for New Zealanders to get in beside our All Whites and send their individual messages of support to them” stated Hyundai New Zealand’s Marketing Manager, Darren Kirkland.

“Hyundai New Zealand is a proud locally owned vehicle distributor, and we are particularly excited about being able to provide this opportunity to help our fans support their home team and get their own messages onto the field.”

To view the balls or leave a message of support fans can visit the dedicated Hyundai 2010 FIFA World Cup micro-site that has also been unveiled here in New Zealand this week.

Kiwi fans visiting the site can enter their support slogan ideas in the ‘Be There’ slogan contest where the winner will get the chance to have their own catchphrase plastered on the All Whites Tour Bus in South Africa. Submissions for the slogan contest can also be made at dealerships during the Goodwill Ball Tour.

Other site features include games and being able to build a fan Avatar complete with its own personalised Hyundai vehicle. To visit the micro-site go to www.hyundai.co.nz and click on the FIFA link.

For those who just can’t wait until the matches start Hyundai have sponsored a 16 week television series called A Preview to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ which will be starting up on February 21st on TV ONE– so there is something for everyone who’s waiting for the World Cup.

In addition to the online marketing activities, Hyundai will display some of its top vehicles at the respective stadiums during the games, including the all-new i45 and ix35.

“Hyundai is one of the strongest corporate supporters of football in the world having served as the official sponsor of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea / Japan™ and the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ as well as many other FIFA tournaments,” says Mr Kirkland.

He finished by saying, “we’re pleased to say that the company has extended its strategic sponsorship agreement with FIFA to cover the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup™ which is great news for the ever growing fan base of the sport here in New Zealand.”