Ford, the UK leader in automotive sales, engineering and manufacturing, has signed up to become the latest partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
As a partner with a presence in 90% of Commonwealth countries, Ford is well matched to this iconic sporting event that will be watched all across the world.
As the Official Automotive Partner, Ford will provide the Organising Committee with over 1,100 vehicles for use during the Games and for transport when the Scotland leg is under way of the iconic pre-cursor to the Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay.
The Baton, which departed from Glasgow last month to begin an epic 190,000km, 248-day international journey, returns in June 2014. Ford vehicles will then convey it and its support team the length and breadth of the country throughout the 40-day domestic leg before it arrives back in Glasgow for the momentous Opening Ceremony.
Ford will support the Games with a wide range of market-leading vehicles, including Ford Focus, Ford C-MAX, Ford S-MAX, Ford Galaxy and Ford Tourneo. The importance of delivering a sustainable Games will be reflected by a low CO2 emissions output across the majority of the fleet. A dedicated line-up of Ford Focus Electric Vehicles will be available to transport the Organising Committee.
Ford will also become an Official Partner of Team Scotland, Team England, Team Wales and Team Northern Ireland.
The Games will take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 3 August 2014 and will feature 6,500 athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth. They will compete in the largest sporting and cultural event to happen in Scotland in a generation.
Hundreds of thousands are expected to attend 11 days of world class competition, with up to 15,000 volunteers showcasing the best the city has to offer. A global TV audience of more than one billion will also share in the Games experience.
Ford has a long history of sports-related sponsorships, most notably sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League.
Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman, Glasgow 2014 said:
“It’s a proud moment in our journey to Glasgow 2014 to be able to welcome Ford into the sponsor family and we are excited to be working with them as our latest partner. The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games are a great opportunity for sponsors to be involved in a unique occasion which reaches across the globe. Ford is perfectly placed to help us deliver a successful Games and leave a lasting legacy throughout the Commonwealth.
“With the success of the ticket launch, the volunteer programme and our commercial partnerships, we are on way to achieve a memorable Games experience for all.”
Mark Ovenden, Ford UK Chairman and Managing Director said:
“Ford is delighted to be an Official Partner of Glasgow 2014 and to be able to support this important cultural and sporting event.
“Our best-ever vehicle range enables us to provide a fleet inclusive of low-CO2 cars that will help deliver a sustainable and inclusive event for a huge global audience.”
Michael Cavanagh, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said:
“It is great to have yet another strong global brand on board for 2014, and I am sure they will be a great partner for Team Scotland and the other Home Nations.
“Ford brings with them a long track record of support for sport and their expertise and passion will be beneficial in the run up to, and duration of the Games.”
Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison said:
“Ford will play a pivotal role in keeping the Commonwealth Games moving and joins a growing list of companies that are helping make next year’s Games world class.”
Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said:
“It is very pleasing to see that another sponsor at such a level has now joined with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. To ensure the best possible event next summer, it’s essential to work with partners capable of delivering services of the highest quality, and this has certainly been achieved here. I am delighted that Ford is the latest Tier One sponsor for the Games.”
