CONOVER, N.C. -- The Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn, a Champions Tour golf tournament which will be played Sept. 25 – Oct. 1, has partnered with Kia Motors America (KMA) to become the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn Presented by Kia.

KMA has also been named the event’s official automobile. The announcement was made by tournament and KMA officials during a press conference Tuesday at Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, N.C.

KMA, one of the -fastest growing auto brands in the United States, is partnering with the tournament through 2007, with the possibility for further renewal open. Based in Irvine, Calif., Kia began marketing vehicles in the United States in 1994 and offers a full line of award-winning vehicles.

"The Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn Presented by Kia has a nice ring to it," said Don Beaver, president and CEO, Rock Barn Golf & Spa. "We’re thrilled to welcome Kia Motors America into our tournament family. Their involvement will help introduce the tournament to an even broader audience of sports and automotive enthusiasts worldwide. We look forward to helping them reinforce those relationships, both locally and among the Champions Tour’s national and international audience."

"Kia Motors America is proud to be the presenting sponsor and official automobile of the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn Presented by Kia," said Percy Vaughn, director of regional operations, Southern Region, Kia Motors America. "Through this partnership, we hope to strengthen our presence in the Southern region as the automobile of choice."