Cobra Electronics Corporation, the leading designer and marketer of Citizens Band (CB) radios and GPS navigation systems for professional drivers, today announced it has finalized a partnership with the Professional Race Truck Transporters Association (PRTTA) extending throughout the 2012 and 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series seasons.

Today’s announcement continues Cobra’s long heritage of product innovation, sponsorships, and partnerships in support of both the trucking and automotive industries, along with their respective drivers, ambassadors, fans and customers.

The PRTTA is a trade association of professional drivers who handle the transportation of NASCAR trucks from venue to venue across the country. PRTTA drivers are among the most seasoned drivers in the industry, entrusted to haul some of the world’s most advanced and powerful automobiles in equally sophisticated, state-of-the-art trailers. Approximately 50 drivers handle the transportation needs for the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.

“The members of the PRTTA are extremely proud and honored to partner with Cobra, the true market leader and creators of today’s finest electronics for the professional driver,” said PRTTA President Terry Lynch. “The Bluetooth^® technology they have incorporated into their CB radios allows our member drivers to not only to be compliant with today’s hands-free driving regulations, it also enables us to stay in touch with our families as we travel the country for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series circuit.”

For more than 40 years, Cobra Electronics has been at the forefront of technological innovation in CB radios, in-cab communications and navigation for professional drivers, and continues that legacy today with a series of patented and award-winning breakthroughs for truckers. Each year, Cobra supports many of the industry’s leading events and conferences including the Great American Trucking Show, The Mid-American Trucking Show, and the Iowa 80 Jamboree. Cobra is also proud to be affiliated with some of the trucking industry’s leading ambassadors and spokespersons, including Robb Mariani, the host of American Trucker.

“It’s an honor for all of us at Cobra to partner with the Professional Race Truck Transporters Association and continue our relationship with the professional driving community as one way of thanking truckers for their long-standing support and loyalty to the Cobra brand,” said Sally Washlow, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Cobra Electronics. “We look forward to a powerful and exciting finish to the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season and a spectacular year in 2013, and we’re honored to extend our relationship with this incredible group of professional drivers.”

Manchester City FC have announce today a new partnership with HUGO BOSS that will see the global fashion brand become the club’s exclusive fashion and clothing partner of the first team.

As part of the partnership, cure HUGO BOSS will design the player’s club suits which are worn during official Manchester City engagements and cup finals.

HUGO BOSS will also work closely with the club and players on a range of photo-shoots, video content and money can’t buy experiences.

“We are delighted to welcome HUGO BOSS to our family of partners at what is a very exciting time in the Club’s history.  HUGO BOSS is not only one of most respected brands in the world, but their reputation for innovation and creativity within the fashion industry, is unparalleled,” said Tom Glick, Chief Commercial & Operations Officer for Manchester City Football Club.

“The opportunity to collaborate on a range of activities beyond simply the design of the player’s suits makes this a particularly compelling partnership.”

Bernd Hake, HUGO BOSS UK MD, said: “We are delighted and honoured to be in partnership with Manchester City Football Club.

“HUGO BOSS has long been synonymous with sport and Manchester City shares our values of excellence, style and a passion for performance and perfection. Their players are style icons both on and off the pitch.”

Food distribution company, RAPID CROQ have secured a partnership with French soccer team, AS Saint-Etienne (ASSE) for two seasons (2012-13 and 2013-14). 

The agreement was signed through SPORTFIVE, Lagardère Unlimited company and agency exclusive club.

Through this partnership, the brand RAPID CROQ ‘will be on the back of ASSE shorts during his Championship matches in Ligue 1 at home and abroad. ASSE are one of the first French clubs to offer this visible space, which enable Rapid Croq ‘to increase its visibility and to assert its identity. 

Eddy CATHAUD, CEO of Rapid Croq, said: “The partnership with ASSE is a continuation of the Rapid evolution of CROQ ‘. The ASSE is the best vehicle to carry our values ​​- ambition, dynamism and team spirit, and the Val de Loire values ​​of effort and achievement. The reputation of the club will help us to ensure the development of the society at the national level, the choice of shorts for the brand RAPID CROQ ‘is also a real opportunity because this site is a novelty in the partnership offers sports.“

Roland ROMEYER, CEO of AS Saint-Etienne, added: “Rapid Croq ‘is a growing company and it is a pride for the ASSE support its growth. Rapid Croq is also a regional company. Nearly 90% of our partners are companies located in the Rhône-Alpes. This proves that the ASSE plays an important role in the radiation of the local economy. The club is still a key player in the region’s attractiveness.”

English Premier League team, Newcastle United announced today that their sponsorship with Virgin Money will end after the last match of the 2012/13 season.

The deal, which was signed in January 2012, was due to run until the end of the 2013/14 season.

But Newcastle will announce a new sponsor for next season in the coming weeks.

Virgin Money will remain as Club sponsor until the end of the current season, Newcastle United have chosen to exercise its contractual right, as both parties had the option to do, to end the two-year sponsorship deal with the bank at the end of this season.

The Virgin Money name will continue to be worn on the iconic black and white shirts for the remainder of this season.

Derek Llambias, Newcastle United’s Managing Director said: “We have enjoyed a very successful partnership with Virgin Money which we thank them for. However we have decided to end the agreement early and we will be announcing a new sponsorship partner shortly which represents an excellent commercial deal for both parties.”

Teletouch Communications, cough Inc., anesthetist a leading U.S. wireless services, medicine cellular and consumer electronics distributor, today announced that it is returning for the 7th year as the Official Cellular Sponsor of the 10th anniversary Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.

The post-season game will feature qualifying teams from the Mountain West Conference and Conference USA NCAA divisions and will be televised by ESPN and heard on ESPN Radio broadcasting from TCU’s recently completed $164 million renovation of the Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.

Teletouch-Hawk Electronics will once again host a free Global Calling and Photo Center for visiting troops attending the game. Having proved very popular with the troops each year, the Center allows men and women of the armed forces in attendance at the game to call and send professionally made photos to their friends and family across the globe, at no cost to them.

“We appreciate what Teletouch-Hawk Electronics once again brings to our game,” said Brant Ringler, executive director of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. “Providing the opportunity for our warriors to communicate with and send pictures to their friends and loved ones anywhere in the world during the holiday season is just a small ‘thank you’ for their dedicated service to our country, and represents what the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl is all about.”

“We are proud to once again be part of this great team of ESPN partners that honor our men and women in uniform,” said T. A. ‘Kip’ Hyde, Jr., Teletouch President and Chief Operating Officer. “With several thousand expected active military, reserve and wounded warrior guests, we are pleased to be able to provide our free calling and photo center. There is no better way to ring in the New Year than by watching a great football game and honoring our great American heroes.”

Owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television (ERT), the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl has featured the “armed forces” theme since 2006.

The game will be played on Saturday, December 29, 2012.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia have renewed their title sponsorship of the Australian A-League for a further four years after securing a new Football Federation Australia agreement until 2016. 

Hyundai’s partnership with Football Federation Australia extends across the whole of the sport, including Hyundai’s role as the Official Vehicle Supplier to the Qantas Socceroos and Westfield Matildas, as well as being one of FFA’s Official Grassroots Partners.

Hyundai is also an Official Partner of the FIFA World Cup through to Qatar in 2022.

“The support of Hyundai until 2016 will ensure the A-League will continue to thrive and grow,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.

“Hyundai had the vision and commitment to back football in Australia in 2004 when the A-League concept was first floated. The spectacular growth will this season see the Hyundai A-League pass the 10 million mark for aggregate attendance.

“During last season Hyundai sold its one millionth car in Australia, a stunning testament to the company’s success, and a measure of how the brands of Hyundai and the A-League have complemented each other. With Hyundai’s continued support, the A-League has a firm foundation for another four years of growth.

“The Hyundai A-League is now an established part of the Australian sporting landscape and we have Edward Lee and his team at Hyundai Motor Company Australia to thank for a remarkable contribution to this success.”

Leading vehicle manufacturer Vauxhall has expanded it’s partnership with The Football Association.

An agreement has been concluded for Vauxhall to become the Official Automotive Supplier to St. George’s Park, the National Football Centre and new training home of the 24 representative England teams. The 330-acre St. George’s Park development is nearing being officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on October 9.

St. George’s Park will also be a national coach education, development and sports medicine centre for football, sport and business.

Vauxhall’s current agreements with The FA include the lead sponsorship of the 24 England teams and The FA’s Official Youth Partner, covering football played by 12-18 year-olds.

“We already have an exciting and successful partnership with The FA but see this expansion of our sponsorship to St. George’s Park as an important step in supporting The FA’s vision for the game of football. St. George’s Park will set a new benchmark for everything connected with English football and we are very proud to play our part,” says Chris Hornbuckle, Vauxhall’s Head of Sponsorship.

Sean McAuliffe, The FA’s Global Head of Business Development comments: “This new agreement with Vauxhall not only reflects the desire to expand our relationship to each other’s mutual benefit, but also the increasing attraction of St. George’s Park to the commercial sector. We are delighted that Vauxhall continues to support The FA in developing the future of the game in this country.”

Vehicles from across the Vauxhall range will be supplied to St. George’s Park, for visitors or for executive transfers and will also be used as staff cars. Vauxhall will also make extensive use of the site’s top-class Hilton hotel, conferencing and banqueting facilities.

The new Vauxhall agreement with St. George’s Park runs through to the summer of 2014.

Molten, the world’s leading manufacturer of sports balls and equipment, has extended its sponsorship of the British Basketball League (BBL) for a third seasn.

The new deal, which has already began, sees Molten’s distinctive, 12-panel BGG7 basketball appointed once again as the exclusive and official ball of the BBL.

As part of the sponsorship agreement, Molten is to provide its ground-breaking, BGG7 professional basketball to BBL Clubs for use in all BBL games, cup games and championship finals, as well as all junior development programmes, community projects run by BBL Clubs and any other events which the BBL undertakes.

Bob Hope, chairman of Bob Hope TV productions Ltd, Molten’s UK and Ireland distributor and one of the original founders of the League, said: “We are very pleased indeed to be in a position to continue our sponsorship of the British Basketball League for a third term. Molten is fully committed to supporting basketball in the UK and Ireland and helping to develop the game into a fully-fledged, major team sport. Over the past six years we have established an excellent relationship with BBL and this latest agreement means we can build on our achievements to date and work on developing new projects and partnerships with the organisation.

“It is so important that the top UK professional teams play with the latest basketball equipment and can compete internationally on an equal footing. Our sponsorship of BBL is one of several strands in our UK and Ireland basketball sponsorship programme, which currently includes the GB Men’s and Women’s Teams, Basketball Ireland, British University and Colleges Sports, British Colleges Sport and the London Youth Games.”

Paul Blake, chairman, British Basketball League added: “We are thrilled to be extending our relationship with Molten for yet another term. The League has many of the necessary building blocks in place to grow significantly during this period and we are delighted to be once again working with a sponsor of the calibre of Molten at this exciting time for the sport in the UK.”

The Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee today announced Sweet Sixteen star Martin Compston as the star of its first TV commercial and its fourth official Games Ambassador.

The Scottish actor’s initial involvement with the Games will be fronting Glasgow 2014’s inaugural TV commercial being aired for the first time across Scotland tonight… at 20:14.

Martin joins an already illustrious list of Ambassadors that includes Sir Chris Hoy, Rebecca Adlington and Billy Connolly.

The advert called ‘Support is our Sport’ was developed by The Leith Agency, produced by The Gate Films and was directed by Guy Soulsby, whose previous work includes commercials for Nike and Manchester United.

The 40-second advert, filmed throughout the city, marks the start of a nationwide campaign to increase awareness of the Games across Scotland and Martin was thrilled to be involved:

Martin Compston official Glasgow 2014 Ambassador said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the advert and even more so to be pushing the message that it’s Glasgow’s turn next. London 2012 gave the whole country a lift and I’m in no doubt that Glasgow 2014 will have the same positive impact – we know how to put on a show and we know how to welcome people. The Games here in Scotland will be incredible.

“It’s going to be a special few weeks. You can feel the excitement across the city already. You might have the opportunity to see Usain Bolt running at Hampden or maybe see Sir Chris Hoy competing in the Velodrome with his name on it! I think the people of Scotland understand, and will recognise that this is a very special time and very special thing to be involved in.”

Martin, who was born in Greenock but now lives in London, saw first-hand the impact the London 2012 Olympic Games had on the capital and he now expects the same to happen in Glasgow:

“What I’ve seen in London, you did feel like you were witnessing history. People need a positive thing at the moment and hopefully people will get out there, be a part of the Games and remember it for the rest of their life.

“I’m a Greenock boy, Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest and best city, and it’s a fantastic place. I think the Games are going to encompass the whole of Scotland.”

In his role as a Glasgow 2014 Ambassador, Martin will promote the Games and help ensure as many people as possible make the most of Scotland’s largest ever sporting and cultural event – something the actor believes won’t be a problem in 2014:

“The one thing about people from Glasgow is they’re not shy. They like getting involved in things and I’ve just been blown away by what’s happened at the Olympics with so many people getting involved. Scots and Glaswegians are known around the world for being patriotic, welcoming and being able to put on a show. I really do think the people of Scotland will step up to the mark.”

Gordon Arthur, Director of Communications and Marketing for Glasgow 2014, said: “We wanted the first-ever Glasgow 2014 TV commercial to promote the Commonwealth Games as the next global sporting spectacular, but do so in an accessible, down-to-earth way that makes everyone in Scotland begin to appreciate that the Games are for them. Martin Compston was the ideal choice to introduce the Games and celebrate Scotland as a nation of passionate supporters.”

Time Warner Cable Inc., drugs among the largest providers of video and Internet services in the United States, will for the first time become a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series after extending its association with Hendrick Motorsports through 2015.

The No. 5 Time Warner Cable Chevrolet will make its debut in the Oct. 13 Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where driver Kasey Kahne has four career Sprint Cup wins. In addition, Time Warner Cable will be Kahne’s primary sponsor in four Cup races annually in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

On Oct. 10, the new No. 5 Chevy paint scheme will be unveiled at a special Time Warner Cable customer appreciation event in Charlotte. The evening will include appearances by Kahne and teammate Jeff Gordon, a private concert from the band Little Big Town and more.

“Hendrick Motorsports continues to be one of the most successful NASCAR outfits, always competing for wins and championships,” said Jeff Hirsch, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Time Warner Cable. “Putting our brand on Kasey Kahne’s No. 5 car provides wonderful exposure to a large segment of our customers.”

Since 2006, Time Warner Cable has utilized drivers, race cars and other Hendrick Motorsports assets to promote its video and Internet services. Kahne will be featured in Time Warner Cable’s “Enjoy Better” national brand campaign, which has included celebrities such as professional football player Victor Cruz, entertainer Ricky Gervais and actor Robert DeNiro. The partnership also will include on-car branding for the first time.

“When someone makes a multi-year commitment and steps up their program in the process, it sends a strong message that they’re not sitting still,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “It’s been a terrific partnership for almost seven years, and we’ll be celebrating a decade together before we know it. In between, we’re going to work hard to deliver results Time Warner Cable will be proud of.”

A 2012 Chase for the Sprint Cup contender, Kahne has earned 14 career victories and 24 pole positions in NASCAR’s elite series. In his first season with Hendrick Motorsports, the Enumclaw, Wash., native secured his third career Chase berth and has recorded two wins, nine top-five finishes and 15 top-10s.

“Working with Time Warner Cable and being part of the ‘Enjoy Better’ program is a great opportunity for all of us at Hendrick Motorsports,” said Kahne, 32, who is currently sixth in Sprint Cup championship points. “It’s been an exciting year performance-wise, and our expectation moving forward is to raise the bar and compete for more wins. Charlotte is one of our best tracks, so Time Warner Cable is coming on board at a great time.”