Kia Motors embraces James Bond and Spectre to train staff

Timed with the release of the new James Bond film Spectre, Kia Motors held a training day last week that involved kidnapping, guns and high-speed chases.

The annual Kia Masterclass adopted a 007 theme this year and HR Grapevine was invited to experience it. The mission: For employees from all over the country to enhance their knowledge and skills about the car manufacturer’s new models and features.

As soon as employees reached Millbrook Proving Ground they were referred to as agents, stickers were placed across the lenses of any camera phones and everyone was divided in to teams. Then a briefing was given by ‘M’ outlining the day’s objective.

The first task involved visiting Q in an outdoor inflatable dome to discuss the new technology within the cars. The group was divided in two - one half made to wait outside due to a lack of space.

But then, four blacked-out Kia Sportages with ‘SPECTRE’ branding pulled up. Within seconds, the unsuspecting group was in the back of the SUVs, blindfolded and being thrown around inside the car as they were driven recklessly to an unknown destination.

The agents were then questioned about senior management within Kia, and some of the new products the company is working on – including the new Optima which was located in the middle of the dark room.

After the interrogation, they were returned to the Tech Lab where they were shown some of the new in-car gadgets available.

Next, agents gathered customer intelligence in Casino Royale. Bets were made based on the information given about prospective buyers and chips were earnt through exhibiting knowledge.

Later on, things became a lot more adrenaline-fuelled. Agents had to drive the new Sorento off-road while passengers used laser guns to shoot any enemies hiding en route. Then, they had to get behind the wheel of the new Cee’d GT, race around the track and test the car’s parking sensors. This was followed by a convoy drive of the same route where fellow agent Daniel Craig crashed his Aston Martin in the film Casino Royale.  

On the route agents had to collect numerical information that would allow them to unlock a suitcase which contained a key that would unlock the chains of their captured colleague.

The day ended with a chase of SPECTRE agents on the High Speed Bowl, using the cars’ Smart Adaptive Cruise technology and Blind Spot Signalling.

‘M’ aka Simon Hetherington, the Business Development Director at Kia Motors UK, spoke on the mission: “Kia created a secret agent style adventure which introduced our dealer network to the new Kia models and their key features in an unforgettable way.

“We believe that enthusiasm, knowledge and passion are vital characteristics of our training sessions and our Masterclass aims to create a sense of fun and excitement which staff can harness and use as part of their sales approach.”

007 isn't just an inspiration for Learning & Development. Click here for our Recruitment lessons from James Bond.