Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia announced on Thursday it was donating 26 quality assessment vehicles to the Technical College System of Georgia. The cars, all of which are Kia Optimas, will be used for the schools’ automotive programs.

“KMMG is pleased to offer these vehicles to the Technical College System of Georgia as an education tool,” said Jason Shin, CEO and president of KMMG, in the release. “We are donating models with the latest technology so students will be properly equipped with automotive knowledge that will help them succeed.”

Rick Douglas, KMMG’s senior manager of team relations, said each of Georgia’s 22 technical schools received at least one car. The vehicles are no longer needed, he said, and the donations are permanent.

“Providing students with hands-on experience in their chosen field of study is something we pride ourselves in,” said Greg Dozier, commissioner of Georgia’s technical college system, in the release. “Through the generosity of KMMG, more students interested in an automotive career will now have the opportunity to learn their trade on state-of-the-art Kia vehicles built right here in Georgia. We are extremely grateful.”

To date, KMMG has donated 218 vehicles for educational and training purposes, according to the release.

In the past, Kia has given vehicles to Troup County School System high schools for their automotive education programs.