AUDI SPONSORSHIP PLANS FOR 2015
Premium car brand to focus on new opportunities within the performing arts
Following an impressive 12-year term supporting polo, Audi has made the commercial decision not to renew its sponsorships for the England polo team, the Audi International Series and the Pony Club Polo Championships after an extensive review of the brand’s sponsorship initiatives.
Jon Zammett, Head of PR for Audi UK, says: “We are very proud to have been a significant supporter of polo in the UK for more than a decade. We believe Audi has made a positive impact on the development and growing success of the national England squad, in particular, as well as the sport as a whole over the years. However, we feel that it is now an appropriate time to embark on a new era for Audi in which we will further embrace and focus on our activities relating to the performing arts. Audi has already expanded it collaborations this year with BAFTA as well as the Royal Ballet.
“After a very consistent period of support for polo at many levels, which began with visiting international team sponsorships going as far back as 2002, Audi of course wishes the sport the very best of luck, including the HPA, with whom we have greatly enjoyed working. We hope the sport will see continued success in the future, building on the achievements and advances of the Audi era.”
However, Audi will be continuing to host its Audi Polo Challenge – private exclusive events, which have raised more than £1.7 million over the years for various charities supported by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
John Tinsley, who has been Chair of the HPA’s International Committee throughout the Audi involvement in polo, says: “Audi has had a huge impact on the sport, in particular for the England squad which has been transformed in the last 10 years and become the envy of all other countries. In addition, its sponsorship for the Pony Club has been crucial to the development of our young players. Its contribution to polo, which has been focused on English players, will be much missed and the Hurlingham Polo Association would like to thank Audi for all its unstinting support.”