In the ever-spinning carousel of sports sponsorships, where logos on jerseys change almost as often as the weather, a new player has just subbed onto the field. Chinese electric vehicle titan BYD Group has officially become the Global Automotive Partner for one of Italy’s most storied football clubs, FC Internazionale Milano. And no, that’s not a typo. The club famed for its roaring San Siro stadium is pairing up with a company known for its near-silent electric motors.
For the next three seasons, the worlds of Italian calcio and Chinese EVs will collide in what is being called “one of the most significant collaborations between the automotive and football worlds”. The official press release is, of course, brimming with delightful corporate poetry about a “shared vision,” “pursuing excellence,” and an “innovative, pioneering outlook on the future”.
Let’s translate that, shall we? BYD is on an absolute tear, selling over 4.2 million New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in 2024 and continuing that blistering pace into this year. Inter Milan, meanwhile, boasts over 533 million fans worldwide, making them a marketing juggernaut, especially in China, where BYD is headquartered and the Nerazzurri have a massive 154 million followers. So, while BYD’s Executive VP Stella Li speaks of dreams and Inter’s fighting spirit mirroring BYD’s hard-working engineers, the core of the deal is a classic power play: massive brand meets massive audience.
Now, for the other part we care about: the cars.
As part of this “360-degree collaboration,” BYD will furnish Inter’s top brass, technical staff, and first-team players with a fleet of around 70 vehicles. This gives the squad an “exclusive opportunity” to become “key players in the green evolution”. One imagines the locker room chat now shifting from V12 engine notes to the practicalities of home charging solutions.
The star of this new fleet is a special edition of the BYD SEALION 7, the brand’s “technological flagship,” which will be customised with features inspired by Inter’s iconic black and blue colours. For those not yet acquainted, the SEALION 7 (also known as the Sea Lion 07) is BYD’s sleek, coupe-styled electric SUV aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y. It’s built on their advanced e-Platform 3.0 Evo and packs a host of cutting-edge tech.
And here’s the kicker for the superfans: a limited edition of this very vehicle will later be made available to the public. So, if you’ve ever wanted to feel the passion of Inter while doing the school run, your oddly specific dream is about to come true. Dedicated purchase and rental programs for the entire global fanbase are also in the works.
This isn’t just a one-off deal for BYD. It’s a calculated part of a much larger European invasion strategy. The company has already planted its flag as an official sponsor of UEFA EURO 2024, and this partnership is timed perfectly to act as a “key asset” for the upcoming European launch of its premium brand, DENZA.
So, as two global giants join forces, one has to wonder. Will the star striker truly be content cruising Milan in a silent, eco-friendly SUV, or will the SEALION 7 be the sensible daily driver that sits next to a garage full of noisier, petrol-powered Italian thoroughbreds? Only time, and perhaps the Milan paparazzi, will tell.
