In a remarkable incident last week, a Kia Sorento became engulfed in flames, leaving only a Stanley Tumbler unscathed in the cup holder. The astonishing discovery by the car’s owner led to a viral TikTok video, amassing over 80 million views in a short span.
As the video gained widespread attention, it caught the notice of Stanley, the renowned American company known for its durable products. In a surprising turn of events, the company decided to express their appreciation for the unexpected publicity by offering the car owner not only a new Tumbler but also a brand-new car.
This gesture, though not unexpected from a brand with a longstanding reputation for quality, serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. The video prominently features the car owner showcasing the unharmed Tumbler, emphasizing its resilience as she shakes it and remarks on the ice inside remaining intact despite the intense fire.
While Stanley undoubtedly benefits from the free advertising generated by the viral video, the significance of their compassionate response to the woman who lost her car in the blaze cannot be understated. The company’s director, featured in the video, pledged to send the woman several Tumblers and purchase her a new car. He noted that such a gesture was unprecedented for the company and unlikely to be repeated in the future.
In the video posted by the car owner, identified as Danielle, the burned vehicle is identified as a third-generation Kia Sorento. Notably, this model was subject to a recall announced in September 2022 due to a manufacturing defect affecting Kia Sorento cars manufactured between 2016 and 2022. The defect, related to an issue with the electrical wires in the traction system, raised concerns about the potential for vehicle ignition, as highlighted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The exact cause of the Kia Sorento fire remains undetermined, leaving unanswered questions about whether it was linked to the previously identified manufacturing defect or potentially attributed to other flaws within the vehicle.
