Castlegar, B.C. – Kia Canada has awarded a brand-new vehicle to local couple Jeff and Angela Bond, customers of Castlegar Kia.
As part of a national promotion, Kia pledged to give away 60 cars in 60 days. Jeff and Angela were automatically entered in the contest after buying a 2014 Kia Sportage from Castlegar Kia in December.
It turns out they were the 59th of the 60 winners, and were quickly reimbursed for their purchase of the Sportage. It happened so quickly, it took time – and a phone call from product advisor Noah Lerch at Castlegar Kia –for the good fortune to sink in.
“When we were called, I just thought we were entered as a finalist in a larger draw,” Angela Bond explained, not realizing what she had won. “I wasn’t at all excited, but Noah sure was,” Angela Bond recalled. “That’s what finally tipped me off.”
Without knowing much about the contest, the Bonds chose the Kia Sportage after considering a few other vehicles in the same category.
Jeff Bond visited Castlegar Kia more than a month earlier to see the Kia Sportage, a model that he believed best suited his wife’s commuting needs. “I did my research and I checked out and tried other brands in the area,” he said. “But once I took it out for I drive I immediately knew.”
Angela added that the zero-percent financing offer and no payments until May also factored into their decision. But for husband Jeff, it was all about the vehicle’s handling and the quality fit and finish. “They’re just beautiful vehicles,” he added.
Keith Kalawsky, owner and general manager at Castlegar Kia, is extremely excited about their win, which comes just days before Christmas. “We have been open for two months and really value the support of our local customers,” Kalawsky said. “I am so happy to have a winner from our area.”
There are more than 120 Kia dealers across the country, Kalawsky said, and thousands of cars were sold during the two-month contest period. As the contest wound down, Castlegar Kia checked the results daily for the latest winners.
With only two days until Christmas, financial services manager Sarah Klan unwrapped the bow and ribbon from the Bond’s new Sportage before they drove away.