Kia and Uber Australia have joined forces to provide an eco-friendly transportation option for tennis fans attending the Australian Open.
This partnership aims to showcase Kia's electric vehicle lineup while offering a unique experience for Uber One members.
- Available from January 12 to January 26, 2025
- Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
- Fleet of 50 Kia EVs, including EV5, EV6, and EV9 models
- Vehicles feature special 'Kia x Uber One' monochrome livery
- Free rides capped at $100 and limited to an 8km radius of the Melbourne tennis precinct
Eligibility and Booking
- Exclusive to Uber One members
- Rides must have Melbourne tennis precinct as pickup or drop-off location
- Available under the "Kia Electric" option in the Uber app
- Subject to availability
Environmental Impact
The initiative is expected to result in:
- Tens of thousands of collective kilometers traveled by the EV fleet
- Significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional vehicles
Statements from Key Figures
Damien Meredith, Kia Australia CEO:
"We wanted to give spectators the chance to ride to the tennis precinct in the same style, comfort and with the same reduced carbon footprint that the players are."
Emma Foley, Uber Australia and New Zealand Managing Director: "With Kia's support in 2024, we were able to help thousands of Uber One members move around Melbourne, but we're optimistic that this year, with a sixty percent larger EV fleet we will be able to double the amount of emissions-free kilometres travelled."
This collaboration between Kia and Uber at the Australian Open 2025 represents a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation in major sporting events. By offering free rides in electric vehicles, the partnership not only enhances the spectator experience but also showcases the practicality and appeal of EVs to a wide audience.
As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, initiatives like this play a crucial role in familiarizing the public with EV technology and demonstrating the commitment of major brands to a greener future in transportation.
Dylan Anderson
