BYD Group Named Global Automotive Partner of FC Internazionale Milano in Landmark Three-Year Deal
BYD Group, the global frontrunner in electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable mobility solutions, has officially announced a three-year strategic alliance with FC Internazionale Milano (Inter), becoming the Italian football club’s Global Automotive Partner. This groundbreaking agreement marks a fusion of two global powerhouses — one from the automotive and technological innovation sector and the other from the elite world of professional football.
The partnership is not just a conventional brand collaboration but a convergence of philosophies and ambitions. Both BYD and Inter share common values: a relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to innovation, and a determination to lead in their respective domains. The core idea driving this partnership is a shared vision — to transform passion and emotion into a tangible, meaningful impact through talent, performance, and sustainability.
A Partnership Fueled by Global Influence
This collaboration is especially notable for its global dimension. Inter boasts an international fanbase of over 533 million supporters, ranking as one of the fastest-growing football clubs globally in terms of fan engagement over the last five years. In China, where BYD is headquartered, Inter holds a particularly strong fan presence, with over 154 million loyal followers. Meanwhile, in South America — a market that is vital for BYD’s expansion strategy — Inter also enjoys substantial support, fueled by the club’s historical ties with legendary South American players. The club counts nearly 90 million fans across the continent.
On the other side of the equation, BYD continues to break records in the EV sector. In 2024 alone, the company sold over 4.2 million New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), marking a 41% growth year-over-year. With over 2 million vehicles already sold in just the first half of 2025, BYD’s rapid growth cements its role as a global leader in the shift toward sustainable transportation.
Shared Ambitions and Passion for Innovation
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, spoke with enthusiasm about the new partnership, saying, “BYD stands for ‘Build Your Dreams,’ and this collaboration truly represents a dream — not just for BYD or Inter, but for millions of football and sustainability enthusiasts across the world. Inter is renowned for its resilience, its fighting spirit, and its dedication to growth, values that mirror BYD’s mission to combat climate change and innovate without limits.”
She highlighted BYD’s dedication to continuous improvement, with over 120,000 engineers working around the clock to develop new technologies. “We’re producing around 45 patents every working day. This relentless pursuit of progress is something we deeply share with Inter Milan — both organizations are driven by passion, innovation, and a desire to win,” Li added.
Giorgio Ricci, Chief Revenue Officer of FC Internazionale Milano, echoed that sentiment. “We’re thrilled to enter this partnership with BYD Group, a brand synonymous with future-oriented innovation and excellence. That they have chosen Inter as their first football club partner is a great testament to the global stature of our club. Through this collaboration, we aim to launch content and initiatives that speak to international audiences and engage fans in meaningful ways.”
Strategic Integration Across Platforms
As part of the agreement, BYD Group — through its brands BYD and DENZA — will work hand-in-hand with Inter to enhance brand positioning and achieve joint objectives. Approximately 70 BYD vehicles will be provided to the club’s upper management, coaching staff, and first-team players. This initiative allows Inter personnel to experience firsthand BYD’s advanced NEV technologies, including its flagship electric and DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Among these, the team will receive a specially customized edition of the BYD SEALION 7, designed with aesthetics inspired by Inter’s iconic Nerazzurri colors. The vehicle will not only serve as an exclusive mode of transport for the club but will later be released in a limited-edition format for fans. This offers supporters a rare opportunity to own a car that visually and symbolically reflects their passion for Inter.
In addition, BYD is preparing unique purchase and rental programs targeted specifically at Inter fans worldwide. These offerings will provide access to BYD’s vehicle models and an immersive ownership experience that aligns with their support for the club. Details of these programs are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Expanding Reach with DENZA and European Football
The timing of this partnership is significant. With BYD preparing to launch its premium brand, DENZA, in Europe in the coming months, aligning with a globally respected football institution like Inter will be instrumental in establishing brand recognition and premium positioning across the continent.
Furthermore, BYD’s growing commitment to international football is evident in its other high-profile sponsorships, including its role as an official partner of UEFA EURO 2024 and the upcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2025. These initiatives underscore BYD’s broader strategy of leveraging football’s universal appeal to build emotional connections with millions of fans while promoting sustainable transportation alternatives.
A United Front for a Greener Future
This partnership is more than a sponsorship deal — it’s a strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating both brands’ global trajectories. By integrating technology, sport, and sustainability, BYD and Inter are setting a new standard for corporate partnerships in the world of sports and mobility. As both entities continue to grow their global footprints, they now do so together, united by shared values and a common goal: to build a better, greener, and more connected future.
