BYD said Wednesday it has signed a deal to become Manchester City FC’s official automotive partner.
Under the agreement, BYD Group will supply BYD and DENZA vehicles to the club. It will also provide vehicle-charging infrastructure and energy-storage battery solutions at the City Football Academy, the training complex used by the men’s and women’s first teams and academy sides.
Starting Wednesday, the BYD logo will appear on the sleeve of the men’s first-team training kit. The women’s first team will add the logo starting next season.
BYD branding will also be displayed throughout Etihad Stadium, including on headrests in the dugout seats. For Premier League and domestic cup home matches, BYD vehicles will be used as the official cars leading the men’s first-team bus to the stadium.
BYD said the partnership is aimed at building its presence in international soccer to raise awareness of its brand, vehicles and other technology products. The company previously served as an official sponsor of UEFA EURO 2024 and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025.
Stella Li, BYD vice chair, said Manchester City “represents excellence, innovation and the challenge of pushing beyond limits,” adding that the collaboration goes beyond soccer or mobility and is meant to inspire people worldwide through technology that supports a sustainable future.
Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group, called BYD a global leader in its field and said the company’s focus on technology and innovation aligns with Manchester City’s values. He said he is proud to work with BYD toward a sustainable future.
Manchester City, founded in 1894, has won 10 English league titles, seven FA Cups, one UEFA Champions League title and the FIFA Club World Cup, among other trophies. The club has played at the 53,000-seat Etihad Stadium since 2003 and has millions of fans worldwide.
BYD, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, said it sold 4.6 million vehicles globally last year, including more than 1 million outside China. The company employs 120,000 research-and-development staff and files an average of 45 new patents per working day, it said.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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