Rio 2016 adds Nissan as local Olympic sponsor

By foxsports
Published

Rio Olympic organizers added Nissan as the fifth top-tier sponsor for the 2016 Games.

Organizers didn't disclose financial details, but said Wednesday the deal with the car maker for the Olympic and Paralympic Games exceeded ''the requirements from Rio 2016 for the category.''

The committee said Nissan will provide 4,500 vehicles to transport athletes, officials and journalists during the games.

Nissan is the sixth domestic sponsor for the games. The others are Bradesco, Bradesco Seguros, Claro and Embratel. The sole tier-two sponsor is Ernst & Young Terco.

Rio 2016 Olympic committee president Carlos Nuzman said during a news conference in Rio that the games have surpassed the initial goal of $570 million in sponsors. The mark had already been surpassed before the Nissan deal, according to the committee.

The current worldwide Olympic partners for the 2016 games are Coca-Cola, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald's, Omega, Panasonic, Procter & Gamble, Samsung and Visa.

''This partnership demonstrates the value of the Rio 2016 brand and the strength and attractiveness of the Brazilian consumer market,'' Nuzman said. ''After six months of negotiations that also involved other applicants, Nissan submitted a proposal that ensures a consistent mix of products, services and financial backing, proving to be the ideal automotive partner.''

Nissan said it has a plan to support local organizers' goals, including a program to support young athletes, promote the games' legacy and marketing ideas ''to spread the Olympic experience.''

''Our multiple connections with Brazil are deep,'' Nissan President and Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn said in a statement. ''As a showcase for the energy and vision of Brazil, the Olympic Games are a natural fit for Nissan.''

Organizing committee CEO Leonardo Gryner said the deal with Nissan will help the city ''tackle operational challenges in a vital area such as transport.''

The 2016 Games in Rio will be the first in South America.

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