Kia America marked the arrival of the New Year with a high-visibility Times Square takeover, celebrating the debut of the all-new 2027 Telluride and honouring the Kia Georgia team members who played a pivotal role in the SUV’s success.
As the first Kia model designed specifically for, and manufactured in, the United States, the Telluride reshaped both critical and consumer perception of the brand, establishing Kia as a serious contender in the premium mainstream SUV segment. With the introduction of the second-generation Telluride, Kia took the opportunity to spotlight the workforce behind its most transformative vehicle.
Beginning at 11:59 pm EST on December 31, Kia executed a full takeover of the iconic New Year’s Eve countdown clock at One Times Square. Throughout the final minute of 2025, visuals of the new Telluride—including its contemporary exterior design, refined and spacious interior, intuitive technology, and available entertainment features—were displayed on the massive screen beneath the famed Ball Drop. In the final 20 seconds of the countdown, the spotlight shifted to celebrate the Kia Georgia team members responsible for assembling the SUV.
Commenting on the occasion, Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing, Kia America, said, “The Telluride signalled Kia’s arrival among the world’s top automotive manufacturers, standing out as a flagship that is both innovative and attainable. As we welcome the New Year, it is fitting to recognise the Kia Georgia team members whose dedication has made the Telluride such a success and continues to drive growing demand year after year.”
The all-new 2027 Kia Telluride recently made its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, introducing an available hybrid powertrain for the first time. The SUV is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms in the first quarter of 2026.
