Vertu Motors, the Gateshead-based motor retail brand, is extending its sponsorship deal with Sunderland AFC over the next two seasons.
The deal with Sunderland will see Vertu Motors' branding appear on the back of the shirts for the Black Cats' first season back in the second tier after a four-year absence.
Vertu Motors, a motoring giant who offer new cars for sale will remain the Official Car Partner for the club up until the end of the 2023-24 campaign, with the latest deal incorporating matchday activation, digital opportunities, and player appearances throughout the partnership.
At the same time, there will also be a focus for the brand on continuing to deliver PR and marketing activations for the next two seasons. Earlier this year the brand made a donation to Sunderland’s leading Matchday Mental Health Hub.
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be extending our partnership with Sunderland AFC. Over the course of the last year we have built a strong working relationship with them.
“They have an enormous fanbase across the north east and beyond, and we are looking forward to working with them in the local and sporting community to increase further awareness of our brand among their supporters. We already can’t wait for what promises to be a hugely exciting season for them as a club!”
SAFC’s Chief Operating Officer Steve Davison added: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Vertu Motors. Vertu are a well-established brand based in the North East and one of the region’s cornerstone companies. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with them throughout our Sky Bet Championship season and beyond.”
The news comes a day after it was confirmed that Sunderland striker Ross Stewart won the PFA Vertu Motors Fans’ Player of the Year award for 2021-22. The Black Cats forward has been in scintillating form all season, with 26 goals in the league and Play-Offs.
Vertu Motors already hold a variety of partnerships across different sports, including deals with Durham Cricket, the Newcastle Eagles basketball team and naming rights for the Eagles' Vertu Motors Arena in Gateshead, close to the brand's headquarters.
They also have a partnership with the Professional Footballers' Association for the PFA Vertu Motors Fans' Player of the Month Award, which will continue through the 2022-23 season and have recently announced Karen Carney as a brand ambassador.