BYD Named Global Automotive Partner of Inter Milan in New Three-Year Deal
BYD Group, a leading player in electric mobility, has announced a new three-year strategic partnership with FC Internazionale Milano (Inter), becoming the Italian football club’s Global Automotive Partner. The agreement will run until the end of the 2026–27 season and marks a notable crossover between the automotive and sporting worlds.
The partnership comes at a time when both brands are expanding rapidly in global markets. BYD, short for “Build Your Dreams,” has become a dominant force in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sector, selling over 4.2 million vehicles in 2024 alone—up 41% from the previous year. The company has already sold over 2 million units in the first half of 2025, continuing its upward trajectory.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, remains one of the most globally followed football clubs, with a reported 533 million fans worldwide. The club has also seen significant growth in markets such as China—where BYD is headquartered—and South America, both of which are key regions for BYD’s business strategy.
The agreement is described as a “360-degree collaboration” in which both BYD and its premium sub-brand DENZA will work alongside Inter to strengthen their global presence and jointly promote initiatives focused on innovation and sustainability.
A key part of the partnership includes the delivery of around 70 vehicles to Inter’s first-team squad, coaching staff, and top management. These will include models from BYD’s electric and plug-in hybrid lineup, aimed at offering low-emission transportation for the club’s operations.
To commemorate the beginning of the collaboration, Inter will receive a special edition BYD Sealion 7, customized in the club’s iconic Nerazzurri colors. A limited-edition version of this vehicle will also be made available for fans later this year.
The tie-up will eventually include dedicated purchase and rental programs for Inter supporters worldwide, giving fans the opportunity to experience BYD vehicles with exclusive club-themed offerings. Details on these fan-oriented programs are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
The partnership is also strategically aligned with BYD’s plan to introduce DENZA—its premium sub-brand—across Europe. Inter’s wide-reaching fanbase and cultural influence in Europe are expected to play a supporting role in that rollout.
This move follows BYD’s recent efforts to strengthen its presence in international football. The company was a sponsor of UEFA EURO 2024 and will also support the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2025. The Inter Milan partnership reinforces BYD’s commitment to using high-profile sporting platforms to build brand recognition and consumer engagement, particularly in Europe and South America.
As automakers look to expand their reach beyond traditional marketing channels, collaborations like this one between BYD and Inter Milan reflect the growing intersection of mobility, entertainment, and global sports culture.
