The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has officially appointed Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD as its official car partner. This partnership comes as the Games are set to take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026, featuring around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing across ten sports and six para sports at four venues throughout Glasgow.
The announcement was made during an event at Glasgow’s Riverside Museum, attended by Commonwealth bronze swimmer and Team Scotland hopeful, Katie Shanahan. Under the terms of the partnership, BYD will provide a fleet of 90 vehicles to support the transportation needs of the Games Family, support crew, and operational requirements along the eight-mile corridor that will host the competitions.
Commitment to Sustainability
BYD’s role extends beyond merely providing vehicles. The company will also serve as an official partner of Team Scotland, supplying vehicles for various team requirements during the Games, including the King’s Baton Relay activation in Scotland. The fleet will comprise fully electric and hybrid models from BYD’s Prestige line, as well as SUVs, all designed with advanced battery technology.
Steve Beattie, deputy country manager at BYD UK, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “BYD is hugely proud to become the official car partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. With the event organisers creating a highly sustainable model for running the Games, BYD’s technology-led approach to reducing emissions makes it the perfect fit.”
Jade Gallagher, chief operating officer of Glasgow 2026, highlighted the ambition to make these Games the most environmentally sustainable in history. “We’re setting new standards for best practice by using existing venues, reducing waste, and cutting carbon emissions. We can’t achieve that without a partner like BYD, who have a global reputation for their innovation in new energy vehicles,” Gallagher said.
Encouraging Active Travel
The collaboration aims to minimize the number of vehicles required for a major multi-sport event by encouraging active travel across the corridor of iconic venues. This strategy aligns with Glasgow 2026’s vision of promoting sustainability while ensuring efficient transportation for all participating teams and support personnel.
As the event draws closer, the partnership between BYD and Glasgow 2026 exemplifies a commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation in the realm of sports. The integration of BYD’s electric and hybrid vehicles into the transportation framework of the Games is a significant step towards achieving a lower carbon footprint and setting a new benchmark for future sporting events.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games promises to be not only a showcase of athletic prowess but also a model for sustainable practices within international sporting competitions.
