Arsenal signs deal with Warren Buffett-backed electric car firm BYD to become club’s official car and bus partner

Arsenal has signed an agreement with Chinese firm BYD Auto for the electric car giant to become the football club’s official car and bus partner.

BYD designs, develops and manufactures cars, buses, commercial vehicles and rail stock. It provides double-decker buses to Transport for London and employs more than 220,000 employees across five continents.

The tie-up will involve pitchside LED signage and branding on dugout seats at the Emirates.

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Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s chief commercial officer, said:

We are proud to become the first Premier League club to enter into a global electric vehicle partnership, and to do so with one of China’s largest and best known companies. Electric vehicles are destined to form a big part of our transport future so we’re delighted to welcome the world-leader in this field into our family of official partners.

This partnership represents another move towards improving our contribution to environmental sustainability, something both ourselves and BYD are passionate about. It’s a progressive step for us and is a direct result of our successful pre-season tour in Shanghai and Beijing.

Arsenal is set to undergo its biggest shake-up in years at the end of the season, with long-serving manager Arsene Wenger stepping down from the club after 22 years in charge.

The Frenchman has been at the helm since 1996, going on to become Arsenal’s longest-serving manager and most successful in terms of major titles won.

Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke said Wenger had transformed the identity of the club, and of English football with his vision “for how the game can be played”.

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