adminbecome the “Official Automotive Partner” of both events.
The global car manufacturer, which sponsors diverse sporting activities, already has a keen interest in soccer through its South African affiliate’s sponsorship of local soccer premier league club, Kaizer Chiefs.
As the most popular sport in Africa, and one that unifies the continent’s diversity of cultures — as witnessed during South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup — Nissan said it was delighted to extend its involvement in soccer into Africa.
“Nissan’s association with Afcon, which attracts a large following throughout the continent, provides a powerful platform to build our brand,” said Mike Whitfield, managing director of Nissan South Africa.
“As the car partner of the 2013 and 2015 events, we are particularly pleased to be involved in football, a sport that touches the heart of many, and reaches across the continent”, said Whitfield.
He added that Nissan’s brand values campaign “Innovation that Excites”, is aimed at inspiring a Nissan following through its diverse vehicle range.
This parallels with soccer, a sport infused with excitement, drawing supporters who are attracted by the skill and performance of its diverse players.
Sales growth is gaining momentum across the African continent following the 2011 launch of Nissan’s mid-term business plan, Nissan Power 88, which targets a global market share of 8 percent and corporate operating profit of 8 percent by 2016.
One of the highlights of the plan is expanded “mobility for all” through dedicated new cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) developed for entry-level segments and emerging markets. In Africa, the aim is to achieve a double-digit market share by 2016.
The Orange Africa Cup of Nations sponsorship follows Nissan’s recent partnership with the world’s fastest sprinter, Olympic gold medallist, Usain Bolt.
As the owner of a GT-R, one of the world’s fastest cars, he is perfectly placed for being Nissan’s “Director of Excitement”, representing Nissan’s vehicles and technologies as ‘innovation that excites’.
Nissan is also sponsoring the Olympics and Paralympics in Rio in 2016. — Motoring Correspondent
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