Ford has become the 'exclusive and official car' of the Chinese Super League (CSL), reports, www.sportspromedia.com/. The company, through its Chang An Ford dealership, has signed a three-year deal to support the league as a premier partner until 2017.
As part of its commitment, Ford will supply 20 cars to the CSL clubs. It is the first time a car firm has sponsored the league.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but, according to China Sports Insider, the deal is worth as much as 390 million yuan (US$62.5 million). The website said 240 million yuan of that will be paid as a cash sponsorship fee, while the remaining sum will go towards promotion and activation.
Ford is said to be planning to invest more than 150 million RMB (around US$24 million) in organising over 600 soccer-themed events across China.
