Changan Automobile Announces Global Strategic Partnership with the Portugal National Football Team
Changan Automobile has announced a global strategic partnership with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), becoming the Official Global Partner of the Portugal National Football Team. This partnership is seen as significant for the Middle East and Africa region, where football is the most followed and culturally influential sport. The collaboration aims to strengthen Changan's connection with local audiences through the large and passionate fanbase of Portuguese football.
The announcement was made during a ceremony at Cidade do Futebol, the home of Portuguese football, which included senior representatives from Changan and the FPF, as well as notable Portuguese football legends. Highlights of the event included the unveiling of a collaboration film titled "Sounds Like Changan," the ceremonial handover of the DEEPAL S05 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) to FPF leadership, and the launch of a 1,000km European test drive initiative.
The Portugal National Football Team, known as "The Team of the Quinas," boasts a global fanbase of over 500 million supporters. The partnership between Changan and the FPF is characterized by shared values such as resilience, excellence, and long-term ambition. Mi Mengdong, Vice President of Changan Automobile, emphasized the commitment required in football and in business, noting Changan’s dedication to investment and innovation alongside the historical resilience of the Portuguese team.
Xiao Feng, General Manager of Changan Automobile for the Middle East and Africa Business Division, highlighted the strong passion for football in the region and the opportunity this partnership presents to engage with audiences. He stated that the collaboration helps to raise awareness of Changan’s intelligent mobility technologies and its growing lineup of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in these markets.
The ceremony also featured a symbolic kick-off performed by Changan executives and famous Portuguese football players, signaling the start of the partnership. Following this, participants waved the "Team of the Quinas" departure flag, launching Changan's long-distance European test drive initiative that will showcase the capabilities of the company's plug-in hybrid technology across various terrains and climate conditions.