Yantai-based Linglong Tire to back Italy's Juventus soccer team

Wang Feng (left), chairman of Linglong Tire, signs its partnership agreement with Giorgio Ricci (right), Juventus co-chief revenue officer and head of global partnerships and corporate revenues, on Feb 1 in Zhaoyuan, where the tire manufacturer is headquartered. [Photo/juventus.com]

Linglong Tire, a tire manufacturer headquartered in Zhaoyuan, a county-level city under Yantai's governance, has become an official global partner of Juventus Football Club (FC). The partnership agreement was announced on Feb 1.

The partnership is designed to increase both Linglong's global recognition and Juventus's popularity worldwide. The agreement gives Linglong many rights such as perimeter advertising during Juventus home games in the Italian League and in the Italian Cup.

Juventus is one of the most famous and revered teams in Italy and internationally. It has achieved multiple European club championships. With a glorious history spanning over 100 years, the club has earned a solid fan base across the world and has enormous brand appeal.

As a global top 20 player in the tire industry, Linglong Tire has sold its products in more than 180 countries and regions. Its products are preferred by nearly 60 original equipment manufacturers.

With its presence in global markets strengthening in recent years, Linglong Tire has been increasingly emphasizing sports sponsorship to improve brand awareness. In addition to Juventus, it supports VfL Wolfsburg, a German sports club based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony.

For Linglong, the new deal will spearhead a global marketing campaign. "It's a great honor to for us to become part of the Juventus family," Wang Feng, chairman of Linglong Tire, said at the signing ceremony, adding that the partnership demonstrated Linglong's passion for football and determination to expand its global markets. Wang also believes that the cooperation will bring an exciting and inspiring experience to football fans and customers.

Giorgio Ricci, Juventus co-chief revenue officer and head of global partnerships and corporate revenues, said that "we are proud to welcome Linglong Tire, a leading tire manufacturer, to our Juventus Partnership family. This agreement represents another essential step in Juventus' strategy to grow in this key market and beyond."

Ricci stressed that it was worth looking forward to excellent performances by both parties in the near future as they have a shared spirit of leadership.