3M New Zealand steps up support of Team Kiwi Racing V8

Team Kiwi Racing (TKR) announced today (23 November) that 3M New Zealand has signed on as a major sponsor of the team for the next two racing seasons. Team Kiwi's determination to succeed and the development of the V8 Supercar Championship into Asia was a key reason behind 3M New Zealand's decision to increase its sponsorship of TKR. Given the growing interest in V8 Supercars throughout the Asia Pacific region, next year there will be a round in Bahrain as well as a further round in Shanghai. 3M New Zealand has been a long time supporter of Team Kiwi since its inception five years ago, and Team Kiwi's recent podium finish at its first racing venture in China certainly reinforced 3M's interest in increasing its sponsorship of the team.

TKR Driver, Paul Radisich, (right) and the 3M sponsored Team Kiwi Racing V8.

"There was tremendous interest in the round in China this year, and every round of the V8 Supercar Championship is broadcast free to air on China television,'' says 3M Asia Pacific Business Development Manager Steven Vander Louw. "Motor racing is the fastest growing sport in the Asia Pacific region and we feel our association with Team Kiwi Racing offers excellent media exposure for 3M New Zealand, 3M Australia, 3M Asia Pacific and 3M globally.

"The V8 Supercar Championship is something our key markets can relate to and it offers excellent promotional opportunities in New Zealand, Australia and throughout Asia - the international television exposure is impressive as is the local media exposure TKR generates.

"3M New Zealand Managing Director, Greg Brown, says 3M has enjoyed its long term relationship with Team Kiwi Racing, and was impressed by the team's determination, commitment and innovative approach to sponsorship deals.

"Team Kiwi is a motor racing team that understands the international marketing opportunities, and what both global and local sponsorship deals require. Team Kiwi is an exciting young team with plenty of potential and is an excellent brand fit with 3M," says Mr Brown.

3M is a diversified technology company with a worldwide presence in the following markets: consumer and office; display and graphics; electro
and communications; health care; industrial; safety, security and protection services; and transportation. 3M has companies in 60 countries with 67,000 employees and 3M products are sold in nearly 200 countries. Last year it had worldwide sales of NZ$30 billion.

3M New Zealand is also a category sponsor of the annual Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards. During the 2005 Awards camapaign, the 3M Excellence in Innovation Award was won by CHS Parking Systems, a specialist in high-tech parking meters and vending and cash handling systems.

More Information

For more information, see:
3M New Zealand
Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards