BLUE OVAL GOES MAROON: Ford Australia and Queensland Rugby League Announce Four Year Sponsorship | Australia

• Ford Australia to become Official Automotive Partner of Queensland Rugby League for the next four years

• The Sponsorship also sees Ford Australia become the Official Automotive Partner of the Queensland Maroons, and Presenting Partner of QRL ‘Country Week’

• Ford Australia will engage with Queensland Rugby League from grassroots community development, through to the highest levels through the Maroons and State of Origin

BRISBANE, Queensland, June 1, 2024 – Ford Australia is proud to announce a significant sponsorship with the Queensland Rugby League (QRL), with a four-year deal that makes Ford the Official Automotive Partner of the QRL.

The sponsorship will also see Ford become the Official Automotive Partner of the Queensland Maroons, and the Presenting Partner of QRL Country Week.

This sponsorship signifies Ford’s commitment to supporting grassroots Rugby League and community engagement across Queensland.

Queensland Rugby League chief executive officer Ben Ikin said: “We are delighted to have Ford Australia join the Queensland Rugby League family.

“The Ford partnership will help our Maroons remain a force in the State of Origin arena.

“Our Maroons players are renowned for toughness on the field, and this trademark has also been a feature of Ford’s vehicles and business for many years.

“I’m not one to talk up rival codes, but it’s hard not to respect Ford Australia’s partnership with the Geelong Cats, which will reach the 100-year milestone by 2025.

“Let’s hope today’s announcement is the start of something just as special.”

Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia, celebrated the announcement, that sees the QRL sponsorship join Ford’s suite of sporting sponsorships across the AFL, Basketball and Motorsport.

"At Ford, we believe in the power of sport to unite communities and drive positive change. Partnering with the Queensland Rugby League allows us to engage with fans at a grassroots level, while supporting the growth of rugby league in Queensland. We are excited to embark on this journey with the QRL and we are very proud to join the team," said Birkic.

As the Official Automotive Partner of the Queensland Rugby League, Ford Australia will be actively involved in community engagement initiatives and fan activations to bring the excitement of rugby league closer to fans across the state. This will include the use of vehicles for QRL staff to use across the state.

Ford's new relationship with the Queensland Rugby League signifies a shared commitment to driving innovation and excellence in both sports and automotive industries, and will grow in exposure and significance across the next four years.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines always-on digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 173,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.