BYD Goes for the Heart of Europe (& South America) Again — Partners with Inter Milan

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Last Updated on: 25th July 2025, 04:16 am

I’ve written about it before with other football (soccer) sponsorships — there may not be anything that touches the heart of many Europeans more than football. You want to connect with people and get inside their doors? Sponsor big football events and clubs.

Inter Milan (FC Internazionale Milano) may not be in the best moment of its storied history. After making the finals of the Champion’s League by beating a super-hot Barcelona in one of the most exciting Champion’s League competitions ever, Inter got thrashed 5–0 by PSG in the final. Nonetheless, they made it to the final, and they are one of the biggest, most loved clubs in European football. Many of the sport’s legends have played for Inter, and it’s one of those teams that is widely loved and respected even if it’s not “your” team.

So, it looks like a slick move to me that Chinese EV producer BYD, the largest EV producer in the world, has just partnered with Inter Milan as its new “global automotive partner.” It’s a 3-year partnership for now.

“The partnership, with a strong global character, creates synergy between two rapidly expanding brands with a widespread presence in key markets. Inter, with over 533 million fans worldwide, ranks second among global football clubs for fanbase growth over the past five years. In China, where BYD is headquartered, the Nerazzurri are also one of the most beloved teams, with over 154 million fans. In South America—a key market for BYD Group—Inter can count on almost 90 million fans, thanks to the many South American champions who have shaped the club’s history.” I almost noted that South America is probably the only place that can rival Europe for how much soccer means to people. I did not realize, however, that such a large portion of Inter’s fanbase is in South America.

Will sponsoring Inter get people to open up their hearts and minds to BYD? That’s the big challenge, and the obvious goal as BYD tries to make its way in Europe in order to sustain its rapid growth.

“BYD’s name means Build Your Dreams, and I think this partnership is a dream for young people, for everybody with a passion for football,” Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, stated. “Inter Milan is well recognised for its energy, for never giving up, for always fighting for success and for its rapid growth into a global brand with a worldwide fanbase that extends beyond the San Siro stadium and Serie A. These are qualities that BYD shares as a fast-growing brand too — we’re a global green technology company with the dream to fight climate change and cool the earth by one degree. We’re working so hard to do this — we have 120,000 engineers working day and night, producing 45 patents every working day because they love their job and they want to win. This determination, this constant pushing for change and working so hard to make it happen, is something that is really shared between BYD and Inter.”

“We are extremely pleased to announce this new partnership, which brings together two global groups united by a constant drive toward the future and the pursuit of excellence,” said Giorgio Ricci, Chief Revenue Officer of FC Internazionale Milano. “We are proud that the Group, with its brands BYD and DENZA, has chosen Inter as the first football club to partner with. It is a testament to the growing global appeal of our brand. This partnership opens up new opportunities for internationally-oriented activations and content capable of engaging fans and consumers around the world. Together, we aim to develop innovative projects that further strengthen the Group’s positioning as a benchmark in the global landscape of sustainable mobility.”

It looks like a fun collaboration, and could definitely help BYD to make inroads into Europe.

Naturally, Inter Milan will also be getting a number of BYD (including higher-end Denza brand) vehicles. “Furthermore, BYD Group will provide around 70 vehicles to equip the top management, technical staff, and first-team players—an exclusive opportunity for the Nerazzurri to experience BYD’s cutting-edge technologies and maximum comfort, while also becoming key players in the green evolution led by BYD, thanks to its electric and super plug-in hybrid (DM-i) vehicles,” BYD writes.

“Initially, Inter will receive a special edition of the BYD SEALION 7, the brand’s technological flagship, which will be customized with features inspired by the Nerazzurri colors. This same vehicle will later be made available, in a limited edition, to Inter fans and enthusiasts, who will thus be able to travel immersed in the colors of their favorite team.”

Interestingly, even Inter fans will get special perks from BYD. “Dedicated purchase and rental programs for BYD vehicles are also being finalized for Inter fans around the world, with more information to be announced in the coming weeks. This is another way to offer the entire fan community a unique experience with BYD Group’s vehicle models, united by their passion for Inter.” Interesting! Maybe it’s time to become an Inter fan….