Chelsea FC has announced a new global partnership with Chinese automotive giant GAC, naming the company the men’s team’s Official Automotive Partner. The deal, which began with a collaboration on the club’s 2026 pre-season tour, will see vehicles from GAC’s Aion range escort the squad to Stamford Bridge for selected home games.
Jon Wakefield, the managing director of Aion Auto UK, said the link provides a vital platform for the brand. “Partnering with one of the world’s biggest football clubs gives us a global platform to showcase Aion and GAC’s brand and products,” he stated. The partnership includes joint digital content, fan experiences, and branding exposure at the stadium for broadcast audiences.
Brand and market ambitions
GAC’s European lineup includes the AION V electric SUV and the newer AION UT compact electric hatchback. The agreement with Chelsea, which has one of football’s largest global fanbases, is a key part of GAC’s strategy to build recognition in the UK and Europe beyond traditional automotive channels. Aion launched in the UK this summer and aims to expand from its current 13 retail locations to 25 by the end of the year, with a target of 100 by 2030.
The news arrives as Chelsea prepare for their next Premier League fixture, sitting 10th in the table with seven points from five matches. Their next challenge is a home game against 17th-placed Bournemouth, where the new partnership will be visibly launched. An Aion vehicle will lead the team out at Stamford Bridge for that match. Fans can view the full upcoming schedule on the club’s fixtures page and check the current standings.
This story first appeared at chelseafc.com
