• June 17, 2011

Life-sized versions of Muno, Mr. X, Sock Monkey, and a teddy bear, featured in the launch ad for Kia's Sorento during the Super Bowl last year, are in two new 30-second spots for the 2012 Sorento CUV.

The ads have the puppets skydiving, line dancing, taking a trip to the beach and going on a fishing expedition. The characters meet locals while driving around in the vehicle, which has been Kia's bestseller since rolling into showrooms last January.

The effort, via David&Goliath, is meant to appeal to young couples who are going to have kids but aren't quite ready for the minivan.

Kia Motors is also sponsoring the "YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE: Let's Dance Presented by Kia Motors" 50-city tour this fall.