The Lions Rugby Company has announced international automobile manufacturer Chery as their official vehicle partner. The partnership was announced at the Lions Family Day hosted at Emirates Airline Park in the presence of members and players.

The deal sees both brands enter a three-year partnership. The sponsorship also includes the provision of vehicles to the Johannesburg franchise as well as exposure on the senior team’s playing jersey and shorts.

Chery Automobile Co. Ltd trading as Chery,  is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in China. Founded in 1997, it is currently the ninth largest automobile manufacturer in China, with 1,232,727 vehicles produced in 2022.

“We are delighted to have partnered with one of the world’s biggest and most recognised rugby brands, said Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager.

“Chery and the Lions share similar values when it comes to reliability, productivity and a strong culture – which speaks volumes to the organisation the Lions has become today.

We are particularly excited to immerse ourselves into the Lions family and most importantly, build brand love for our vehicles amongst fans,” Liu concluded.

Commenting on this partnership, Ellis Park Stadium Managing Director Pieter Burger, said it was encouraging to see corporate brands aligning themselves with sport in an incredibly challenging economic environment.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be aligned with an international vehicle brand such as Chery. With the sponsorship landscape being a challenge due to budget constraints, we are glad that Chery saw value in associating themselves with the Lions in what will in no doubt be an excited journey for both brands.”