With just a few days to go before the first kick off, Hyundai Motor Company, Official Partner of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, delivered over one thousand vehicles for the ground transportation of the world's biggest sporting event in Brazil. The branding decorations of the 32 buses that will transport the teams of the qualified nations were also unveiled. Hyundai held an official handover ceremony for the cars at Arena de Sao Paulo, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to deliver the branded team buses and the 1,021 sedans and vans. The vehicles will ensure the smooth operation of the global event, transporting FIFA officials, national teams, members of the organizing committee, referees and media representatives throughout the tournament. William Lee, President of Hyundai Motor Brasil (HMB), said: “We are proud to partner with FIFA for this exciting football event, while we believe that our football engagement has been playing a vital role in connecting global customers to our brand. In particular, we will do our best to make the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ one of the most spectacular FIFA World Cup's in history.” “A flawless transport operation is critical to the success of the FIFA World Cup”, said FIFA's Secretary General Jérôme Valcke. “We are delighted to have the support of our Partner, Hyundai, who's provision of the fleet of vehicles ensures that all event participants and crucially, the teams, travel in style and comfort.” The 32 team buses are vibrantly decorated with national team colors, flags and the winning slogans of the ‘Be There With Hyundai' competition, a unique global initiative run by Hyundai that encouraged participation from fans all around the world. Furthermore, each bus will be escorted by a specially-decorated Grand Santa Fe, Hyundai's leading SUV model, as part of the company's exclusive sponsorship privileges. In addition to the delivery of cars, Hyundai will operate a complete Service Team at all World Cup Stadiums and FIFA facilities to ensure the best service support and assistance to drivers and fleet of cars during the entire event. Prior to the delivery, over 1,000 drivers were trained to become familiar with each model, as well as learn about maintenance, safe driving techniques and routes. Since Hyundai Motor signed the agreement in 1999 to sponsor FIFA competitions including the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, the company has successfully served as the official partner of 2002, 2006, 2010 FIFA World Cups as well as many other FIFA tournaments. In 2010, the company extended its strategic sponsorship agreement with FIFA to cover the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. Through its successful sponsorship of international football, Hyundai Motor has significantly boosted brand awareness and brand image. — SG
