Nissan to be Official Automotive Partner of Team GB & ParalympicsGB Until Rio 2016

Nissan has announced it will support Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes who will compete at the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games as Official Automotive Partner.

As part of the deal it will also apply its performance credentials and expertise in innovative and technology to help enhance the squads’ training regimes and overall performance.

Nissan will also provide vehicles to the BOA and BPA, see enabling the organisations to deliver world-class logistical support to Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Team GB delivered its greatest performance in over a century at the London 2012 Olympic Games, anabolics winning 65 medals, including 29 gold, to finish third in the medals table. ParalympicsGB maintained their status as a leading nation in Paralympic sport by finishing third in the medals table, claiming 120 medals, including 34 gold.

In February last year, Nissan was unveiled as a ‘Tier 1’ sponsor and the automotive partner of the Rio 2016 Games. It will supply over 4,500 vehicles to support the Olympic and Paralympic events.

In October last year, London 2012 triple gold medallist and 4x100m world record holder, Usain Bolt, extended his role as Nissan GT-R ambassador to become Nissan’s honorary ‘Director of Excitement’.

Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the British Olympic Association, introduced Nissan as the Official Automotive Partner of Team GB for 2013-2016 at a media briefing in Central London.

He said: “I am delighted that Nissan, a company that is recognised globally for excellence and performance, is partnering with Team GB on the ‘Road to Sochi and Rio’. The BOA played an important role in enabling me to pursue my Olympic dreams and compete for Team GB, and now, thanks to partners like Nissan, today’s athletes can be afforded the same support.

“Nissan has invested heavily in British industry and now it is backing Britain in the greatest sporting arena in the world.”

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of the British Paralympic Association, welcomed the partnership saying: “We are delighted that, following on from the inspiration of London, they have sought actively to support the BPA in this country alongside their becoming the first Paralympic partner of the Rio 2016 Games.  

“Our partnership with Nissan will very much complement the family of partners we have already announced on our journey through to Rio, and we are delighted that they are the first brand from outside the LOCOG partners to engage with us following the success of ParalympicsGB at London 2012. We firmly believe that successful sponsorships are based on shared values and a vision for what can be achieved, and look forward to working closely with Nissan over the next four years to implement this.”

Paul Willcox, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Nissan in Europe, said: “There is a great synergy between the pioneering Olympic spirit and the way that Nissan constantly strives to challenge perceptions and identify innovations.

“Last year, British Olympic and Paralympic athletes did an amazing job at their home Games and were a source of enormous national pride and excitement. We are delighted to be associated with two such inspirational squads. Nissan will be more than just a badge on the team kit, it will be a true supporter of both teams and we look forward to working directly with Britain’s sporting heroes to amplify their performance and provide the UK with even more reasons to get behind our sportsmen and women.”