Marketplace Roundup: Usain Bolt Named 'Director Of Excitement' For Nissan

Usain Bolt "may have just landed his dream job." Nissan named the 26-year-old honorary director of excitement. Bolt unveiled a custom-edition of the GT-R, "with interior bits coated in real gold," at the automaker's headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. Nissan said that the car would be "auctioned on eBay and the money donated to Bolt's charity foundation" (JAMAICA OBSERVER, 10/12). ... Vietnam's V-League football club Navibank Saigon "may be forced to withdraw from the competition," as it has lost its naming-rights sponsor Navibank. The loss has resulted in the defending champions "struggling to fund" the required VND 45B ($2.2M) to run the club (ASIASPONSORSHIPNEWS.com, 10/16). EPL Newcastle United has extended its partnership with Thomas Cook Sport as the club's official travel partner until the end of the '13 season. The company will continue to provide travel for supporters, teams and officials, as well as offer match breaks for fans to watch home fixtures, which includes accommodation and a guaranteed game ticket (Newcastle United).

BRAZIL DEALS: Brasileiro Santos midfielder Patricio Rodríguez has "signed a contract" with Nike for the next 18 months. The American company will provide the Argentinian with sportswear equipment (MAQUINADOESPORTE.com.br, 10/15). ... Mixed martial artist Daniel Sarafian has agreed to a sponsorship deal with UFC. The length of the contract was not disclosed, but the Brazilian will receive all his equipment from the company (MKTESPORTIVO.com.br, 10/16).