BYD Backs Manchester City With Latest Partnership

Major Chinese electric automobile company BYD has struck a deal as the Official Automotive Partner of Manchester City.

Under the deal, BYD Group will supply vehicles including BYD and DENZA models, and provide vehicle charging and energy-storage batteries at the City Football Academy. BYD’s logo will feature on the training kit sleeve of the men’s first team and from next season the women’s first team.

BYD will also have significant presence across the Etihad Stadium, with the brand’s logo featuring on the headrests of the dug-out area. One of the company’s cars will also lead the official Manchester City men’s first team bus into the stadium for Premier League and domestic cup home fixtures.

According to ASN data, BYD Auto (11.8%, US$2.8m+) is the 3^rd largest spender for the electric automobile category in the Asian sponsorship market since Q223, with a quarterly average investment of almost US$236k during this period. The deals tend to range between US$100k and US$1m yearly, with the biggest investment to date being its partnership with Serie A giant Inter Milan.