Ford announced as official automotive partner for Glasgow 2014

By Gary Anderson

November 4 - Ford has been unveiled as the official automotive partner for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and will provide over 1,100 vehicles for use during the event.

As well as providing transport during the 11 days of competition, the deal also sees the global automobile company help to support the 40-day domestic leg of the Queen's Baton Relay when it will travel through Scotland before arriving in Glasgow for the Opening Ceremony on July 23.

"It's a proud moment in our journey to Glasgow 2014 to be able to welcome Ford into the sponsor family and we are excited to be working with them as our latest partner," said Lord Smith, chairman of Glasgow 2014.

"The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games are a great opportunity for sponsors to be involved in a unique occasion which reaches across the globe.

"Ford is perfectly placed to help us deliver a successful Games and leave a lasting legacy throughout the Commonwealth.

"With the success of the ticket launch, the volunteer programme and our commercial partnerships, we are on way to achieve a memorable Games experience for all."

Currently on the Australian leg of its tour, the Baton has experienced a number of problems on the early stages of its 190,000 kilometre, 248 day international Relay.

Part of the Indian leg had to be scrapped because of a clash with a religious festival and a row in Pakistan over Olympic control leading to the Government snubbing the ceremony while the two day visit to the Maldives had to be shortened to two hours after fears about political instability following the postponement of the Presidential election.

London 2012 silver medallist Brittany Broben poses with the Queen's Baton as it continues on the Australian leg of the Relay

The Baton is nevertheless still on course to complete its journey by next July, and will be helped on its Scottish leg with the aid of a number of Ford's most popular vehicles including the Ford Focus, Ford C-MAX, Ford S-MAX, Ford Galaxy and Ford Tourneo, which will in tandem with a fleet of Ford Focus Electric Vehicles aim to produce a low CO2 emissions output during the Relay and the Games themselves.

"Ford is delighted to be an official partner of Glasgow 2014 and to be able to support this important cultural and sporting event," said Mark Ovenden, Ford UK chairman and managing director.

"Our best-ever vehicle range enables us to provide a fleet inclusive of low-CO2 cars that will help deliver a sustainable and inclusive event for a huge global audience."

Ford operates in 90 per cent of Commonwealth countries and joins the likes of British Petroleum (BP), Longines, Emirates, Virgin Media and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) as official partner level sponsors.

"Ford will play a pivotal role in keeping the Commonwealth Games moving and joins a growing list of companies that are helping make next year's Games world class," said Commonwealth Games and Sports Minister, Shona Robison.

Ford says its range of vehicles including the Focus will ensure a low CO2 emissions output during next year's Commonwealth Games

As part of the new deal, Ford will also become an official partner of the four Home Nation squads for the Games; Team Scotland, Team England, Team Wales and Team Northern Ireland.