When Chevrolet inked its $600 million sponsorship deal with British soccer club Manchester United, the Bowtie also sent over a fleet of vehicles for the players to drive around in free of charge. The hope was that some of the star players, such as Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao, would be spotted behind the wheel of the Chevys, doing good things for brand perception and image. But a new report from The Daily Mail indicates the club’s players would rather drive their own vehicles.
As it turns out, Chevy didn’t just drop off a few Cruzes and Sonics and call it a day. A car transporter loaded with 15 Corvette Stingrays and Camaros was dropped off in the parking lot of the team’s Trafford Training Center on April 1st, but so far, they’ve sat mostly unused.
This shouldn’t be very surprising. Premier league footballers are some of the most well-paid athletes in the world and Manchester players have been caught showing up to practice in modified Range Rovers, Mercedes-Benz SUVs and Porsches. According to a source close to the soccer club, the training ground staff have been the ones driving the Chevrolets.
A spokesperson for Chevrolet confirmed the cars didn’t have to be driven and were part of a “voluntary drive program.” Maybe if GM sends a few 2015 Z06 Coupes and Convertibles next year, the players will come around.
Comments
I’m guessing this is more due to the fact they are left hand drive, rather than lack of bling.
That car transporter can pull up to my driveway with 15 Corvettes anytime. Guaranteed they’ll get some use!