Chinese Super League Names Ford As First Automobile Partner In Deal Through '17

The Chinese Super League "officially announced" Ford and Changan Ford as the premier partner of the CSL through the '17 season, according to the CHINA DAILY. The partnership "marks the first automobile brand to ever sponsor the CSL throughout the league's history." As part of this partnership, Ford "will be the exclusive and official car of the CSL and its clubs." Ford's commitment to the CSL and to Chinese football "demonstrates tremendous growth and value of China's top football league." Ford and Changan Ford announced the "donation of 20 cars to the CSL clubs." Changan Ford President Marin Burela said, "Not only do we fully support the league, we will also help to expand and improve the football business and contribute to the development of Chinese football." Ford and the CSL "were in talks" from around the end of the '13 CSL season. With the help of CSL partner IMG, Ford and the CSL "met frequently in Beijing and Chongqing, which ultimately resulted in a first ever partnership" (CHINA DAILY, 5/13).