Why is BYD Partnering With Man City in a Global Brand Push?

BYD, the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has secured a partnership with Manchester City Football Club, positioning itself as the club's Official Automotive Partner.

The collaboration represents a significant marketing milestone for the Chinese automotive giant as it continues to expand its global brand presence through strategic sports sponsorships.

The partnership leverages Manchester City's international profile to enhance BYD's visibility across key markets. The company states that the agreement follows a 360-degree approach that reflects BYD Group's multi-faceted innovation, demonstrating how the automotive manufacturer is using sport to showcase its broader technology capabilities beyond vehicle production.

Marketing activation across multiple touchpoints

The partnership delivers extensive brand exposure through various marketing channels.

BYD will supply vehicles to Manchester City whilst establishing charging infrastructure and energy-storage battery systems at City Football Academy, the training and development facility for the club's teams.

This approach allows BYD to demonstrate its technological ecosystem in a real-world environment.

Brand visibility includes prominent placement on the training kit sleeve of the men's first team, with the women's first team following from the 2025-26 season.

The BYD logo will appear on headrests in the dugout area at Etihad Stadium, whilst one of the company's vehicles will lead the official Manchester City men's first team bus into the stadium for Premier League and domestic-cup home fixtures.

These activations provide consistent brand touchpoints throughout matchday experiences.

Building brand awareness through football

The Manchester City partnership forms part of BYD's broader sports marketing strategy to establish presence in international football.

The company served as official sponsor of UEFA EURO 2024 and UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025, building recognition amongst European audiences.

BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li says: "Manchester City stands for excellence, innovation and the courage to push beyond limits – values that are deeply rooted in BYD's DNA.

"This partnership is about more than football or mobility; it is about inspiring people around the world through technology that excites, connects and drives a more sustainable future. When innovation meets passion, the impact is truly global."

Ferran Soriano, CEO at City Football Group, says: "BYD are global leaders within their field. Leaders in delivering excellence through technology and innovation. Leaders with purpose, to make the world a better place.

"All values that Manchester City share. As a club, we are driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation. We partner with industry leaders to create a more environmentally sustainable future, starting with our facilities.

"This is why we are so proud to be BYD's chosen partner and commit to work together for a better and more sustainable future for the duration of this multi-year partnership."

Aligning brand values

The partnership connects two organisations with substantial market credentials. Manchester City, founded in 1894, has accumulated 10 English league titles, seven FA Cups, one UEFA Champions League and a FIFA Club World Cup.

BYD began as a battery manufacturer in 1994, produced the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid in 2008, and now maintains presence in more than 110 countries and regions.

The company celebrated production of its 15 millionth new energy vehicle in December 2025, with 2025 sales reaching 4.6 million vehicles globally, including more than a million outside China.