First Kia TCR car lands in New Zealand   

The first of two Kia Cee’d TCR cars has arrived in New Zealand and will join the growing grid for the inaugural TCR New Zealand Series, commencing later this year.

The pair of Kias will be represented in the Australian and New Zealand markets by Choice Performance Ltd who have been appointed as the official agent for the Cee’d’s manufacturer, Austrian company STARD (Stohl Advanced Research and Development).

The Kia Cee’d TCR is a leading contender in a number of international TCR championships with cars run successfully by STARD across Europe and Asia.

The Pukekohe, NZ-based team, known for their rallying exploits, will import the Kia Cee’d TCR extending its relationship with AndrewSimms.co.nz, the largest Kia Dealer in New Zealand, with the intention of running them both in TCR New Zealand and TCR Australia.

Choice Performance is yet to announce their driver line-up for the TCR New Zealand Series which is expected to commence in November 2020. The full calendar for TCR New Zealand 2020/21 will be confirmed in due course.

“Having worked closely with Manfred and his team in Vienna I am exceptionally excited for this opportunity. We are delighted that the first of the Kia TCR cars are finally in New Zealand,” Little said.

“The development of the Kia Cee’d TCR is world class and a real credit to STARD. We are confident of achieving strong results in the New Zealand and Australian championship with the Kia Cee’d TCR and look forward to fostering our strong relationship with STARD who are exceptionally customer friendly.”

Manfred Stohl
STARD

“We are excited to see the results Choice Performance and STARD can achieve with the Kia Cee’d TCR. There is potential to create marketing opportunities for the Kia brand and increase the brand’s exposure to existing and potential customers,” said Stohl.

“I am very pleased that we are now represented in Australia and NZ with our STARD-developed KIA TCR vehicle.”

“With Choice Performance and partner Andrew Simms, who is the largest Kia Dealer in NZ, I see an incredibly strong team that, as the exclusive partner in this region, will best represent our interests and achieve a sporting success in the foreseeable future.”

“Chris Little, whom I know very well from the rally scene, is also a perfect team manager for the project.”

2020 TCR Australia Series calendar

TCR Asia Pacific Cup: Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, 12-15 March
Round 1: Sydney Motorsport Park, 27-29 March
Round 2: Bathurst 6 Hour, 10-12 April
Round 3: Winton, 1-3 May
Round 4: The Bend Motorsport Park, 12-14 June
Round 5: Morgan Park Raceway, 3-5 July
Round 6: Phillip Island, 21-23 August
Round 7: Sandown, 11-13 September
TCR Bathurst 500: Mount Panorama, Bathurst, 13-15 November