Arsenal Signs Electric Vehicle Deal
Arsenal has signed a global agreement with electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD Auto, who becomes the club’s official car and bus partner.
China-based BYD, which stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’, designs, develops, manufactures and distributes cars, buses, commercial vehicles and rail stock.
Based in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, BYD provides single and double-decker buses to Transport for London and employ more than 220,000 employees across five continents.
The deal with BYD represents a further step forward in how Arsenal works with its partners for sustainability, following its work to power Emirates Stadium and all other Arsenal sites with 100% renewable energy.
The partnership will look to help drive BYD’s global brand awareness through a broad range of marketing rights including pitchside LED signage and branding on dugout seats at Emirates Stadium. BYD also has access to Arsenal legends for special promotional events in China.
BYD will work closely with Arsenal to create experiences for its customers and engage with fans through the club’s social media channels. Arsenal has one of the largest followings of any club in China with 4.7 million followers on Weibo, one of the biggest social media platforms in the country.
Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are proud to become the first Premier League club to enter into a global electric vehicle partnership, and to do so with one of China’s largest and best known companies. Electric vehicles are destined to form a big part of our transport future so we’re delighted to welcome the world-leader in this field into our family of official partners.
“This partnership represents another move towards improving our contribution to environmental sustainability, something both ourselves and BYD are passionate about. It’s a progressive step for us and is a direct result of our successful pre-season tour in Shanghai and Beijing.
“Arsenal is one of the most popular football clubs in China and we are looking forward to supporting the ambitious global growth plans of BYD and helping them engage with the millions of supporters we have in China and around the world.”
Sherry Li, BYD’s brand and public relations director, said: “Arsenal is a club steeped in history and is one of the most popular football clubs among fans in China. This partnership shows that BYD, Arsenal Football Club and its global fan base believe in a greener future and the deal will help us build our name here in China and around the world.”
