NISSAN dealers across the UK are being urged to make the most of the brand’s association with Britain’s leading Olympic and Paralympic sportsmen, who are helping to mentor a new generation of British athletes on the road to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Nissan, already the Official Automotive Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB, has announced the signing of Olympic and Paralympic legends Sir Chris Hoy and Richard Whitehead MBE.
Hoy and Whitehead will be a key part of Nissan’s #UniteAndExcite campaign that will provide Olympic and Paralympic fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to athletes’ stories and news of how Nissan’s innovative technology could enhance performance.
And dealers are being encouraged to draw attention to the exciting venture in their showrooms.
Guillaume Masurel, Nissan GB Marketing Director, said: ‘This partnership represents a great opportunity for all of us. This unique platform will differentiate Nissan from our competitors and support our key brand and business objectives.’
To kick-start the activity, six-time Olympic Gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy features in a high-octane cinematic film which celebrates Nissan’s commitment over the next two-and-a-half years to help athletes achieve their goals.
The film brings to life the anticipated winning combination of Nissan’s innovation, each athlete’s determination, and the crucial support of the fans under the #UniteAndExcite banner. In addition Hoy, Whitehead and Nissan will be encouraging fans to use #UniteAndExcite to pass on Twitter messages of support to Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes at the forthcoming Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Sir Chris said: “I’m hugely excited to be a part of Nissan’s Team GB and ParalympicsGB partnership. Nissan is famed for its innovation & excitement and its #UniteAndExcite campaign will make the thrill of the Games more accessible to the British public, whilst Nissan’s support will mean a huge amount for the athletes throughout their preparations for Rio 2016.”
Richard Whitehead MBE added: “I’m thrilled to be part of Nissan’s plans and as I still have my own aspirations for Rio 2016, I’m looking forward to working closely with Nissan through to 2016.”
Sporting partnerships
To help make the most of the sporting partnership, Nissan dealers have been sent a new S-Wall creative emblazoned with a stunning image of Sir Chris Hoy. And two sets of decals have been sent to all dealerships too – one light and one dark to be fitted to demonstrators.
In addition, dealers are being urged to form partnerships on a local level with Olympic and Paralympic prospects. More than 35 dealers have already made such arrangements, or are in talks to work in this way with an athlete. In return for a loan vehicle, athletes are asked to act as an ambassador for your company.
Those dealers who support an Olympic or Paralympic hopeful will also have access to a range of eye-catching Team GB and ParalympicsGB marketing assets.
Sir Chris Hoy and Richard Whitehead MBE are the first Olympic and Paralympic ambassadors to be signed to Nissan and more athletes will be announced shortly. Nissan will provide vehicles to each of their sponsored athletes, the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association.