Freshly re-branded automotive marque KGM New Zealand partners with iconic Kiwi band ZED 

 

Following on from the launch of the all-new KGM TORRES mid-sized SUV in March, KGM New Zealand is embarking on an exciting collaboration with iconic New Zealand band, ZED.

 

The partnership marks a significant milestone for the South Korean born, future bound mobility brand KGM, who announced a change in direction in March this year. KGM initiated its re-branding journey from SsangYong to KGM, reflecting its new global ownership under KG Mobility.

 

KGM and ZED are both embarking on a fresh new chapter, forging a dynamic synergy that connects the automotive brand with the iconic band. As part of this exciting reset, ZED is set to release their first album in 20 years, marking a significant return to music. Meanwhile, KGM introduced the all-new TORRES earlier this year, signaling the beginning of a journey to transition to KGM through a re-brand. Together, these milestones represent a powerful new start for both brands.

 

While ZED’s Ben Campbell, Nathan King, Andrew Lynch and Adrian Palmer have been busy producing a new album to release in August, the KGM team have been working hard in New Zealand to commence the next stage of the new KGM TORRES launch to market. The medium-sized SUV is the first model to reflect KGM’s new brand platform, Crafted to Unexpected, with the newly defined purpose to provide New Zealanders with fresh takes on urban living by injecting the essence of K-culture into our streets.

 

Kym Mellow, General Manager of Inchcape in New Zealand, distributor of KGM New Zealand says, “We see the partnership with ZED as our Kiwi equivalent of the Hallyu, otherwise known as the Korean wave phenomenon. Music plays a huge part in connecting people and driving popular culture in Korea, as it has also done for many years in New Zealand.”

 

“Through our partnership with ZED, we wish to embrace our nation’s love for homegrown music and work together to support each other in our future endeavors. This is a truly unique partnership, which defies category conventions, and supports our quest to build the KGM brand through distinctive and unexpected brand activity.”

 

Many exciting collaborations are in the pipeline, including KGM’s use of ZED’s first single off the album, ‘Future You’ KGM’s TV commercial. The four band members are also now driving KGM TORRES models and are set to become the first KGM brand ambassadors in New Zealand.

 

The first major event to arise out of the partnership is the introduction of ZED’s new album, which will be released on 23rd August. The band and KGM are collaborating to run a VIP weekend experience to celebrate being part of the important milestone, set in the idyllic South Island town of Akaroa, near Christchurch. Mellow says: “We are giving away a KGM and ZED VIP weekend experience where participants can go into the draw to win 1 of 3 double passes to attend ZED’s album release party, which also includes return flights to Christchurch, accommodation for two nights, a dining experience, a KGM TORRES loan vehicle car, double pass tickets to ZED’s album launch and a signed vinyl.”

 

 

ZED’s Nathan King says, “As we launch our new album ‘Future Memory’ this month, we are stoked to be ambassadors for KGM and support the launch of the new TORRES to the market”. ZED’s Ben Campbell adds, “Living in the South Island and doing plenty of road trips for shows and festivals, the KGM TORRES is going to be the best road companion.” Mellow says: “KGM’s and ZED’s shared vision is to set new benchmarks in their industries through this partnership, while also appealing to many original ZED fans who are likely to be 40-plus in age, and potentially considering purchasing a new vehicle for their current life stage. Whether this includes a young family, or they need a capable and spacious vehicle to support both their urban and off-the-beaten track adventures. Together we are looking forward to rolling out some memorable experiences for our new KGM owners.”

 

“As we spread the word on how our Korean-manufactured KGM vehicles can truly benefit Kiwi customers through helping them discover KGM’s path towards pioneering new mobility solutions for New Zealanders, ZED will seek to increase KGM’s brand’s awareness and create fresh perceptions moving forward. The ZED band members will help New Zealanders discover the KGM brand and the all-new KGM TORRES, along with the many new products in the pipeline over the next 12-24 months.”

 

Stay tuned to watch KGM and ZED’s partnership unfold over the upcoming weeks. Follow KGM on social media @kgmnewzealand, or sign up to our eDM to find out more.

 

Watch KGM’s new online video featuring ZED’s single ‘Future You’.

 

 

Watch KGM and ZED’s partnership announcement.

 

 

Media Contact

Catherine Pattison  

Public Relations 

catherine.pattison@inchcape.co.nz