Five UEFA EURO 2012 stars join Team Hyundai

Hyundai Motor Company, one of UEFA's EUROTOP partners, today announced a new initiative for this year's tournament: Team Hyundai.

Iker Casillas (Spain), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Giuseppe Rossi (Italy), Karim Benzema (France) and Daniel Sturridge (England) will fulfil their roles as ambassadors through a series of marketing activities as part of Hyundai's promotions and campaigns for UEFA EURO 2012. Hyundai is one of five companies committed to the sponsorship of UEFA's leading national team competitions through the EUROTOP programme.

A statement said: "Comprising five of the best-known players in Europe – all of them top-class internationals – Team Hyundai will act as ambassadors for the brand in Hyundai's communications activities around what will be this year's biggest footballing event.

"Team Hyundai will be a constant reminder to fans of the excitement, dynamism and passion that football inspires. Each of the Team Hyundai members has made it to the top through determination and continuous improvement, corresponding closely with Hyundai's achievements in the European car market."

Allan Rushforth, senior vice-president and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: "The five ambassadors will be rivals on the field during UEFA EURO 2012, but they are united by their passion for football and it's a great pleasure to bring them together as Team Hyundai. Their determination and talent sets them apart on the field, and every Team Hyundai player has the potential to be a game-changer during this year's tournament."

Further to the Team Hyundai announcement, Hyundai will also launch a new charitable initiative, with the company once again supporting young people and players to realise their ambitions to become game-changers of the future.

Football fans and followers of Hyundai will be invited to participate in the project, reflecting Hyundai's commitment to always engage in a way that reflects the spirit of the game – through openness and inclusion.

By entering the dedicated application on Hyundai's global Facebook page – facebook.com/Hyundaiworldwide – fans can "like" their favourite Team Hyundai player. For every "like", Hyundai will donate €1, and the company is targeting a total donation of €250,000.

Further details of this and other activities to be run by the company will be revealed ahead of UEFA EURO 2012.

David Taylor, UEFA Events SA CEO, said: "We have immense respect for the work that Hyundai does through its sponsorship of football. Much more than a purely commercial tactic, it's clear the company is dedicated to the sport, to its fans and to the future of this beautiful game."

Hyundai Motor Company has been a partner of UEFA for more than 12 years, spanning UEFA EURO 2000, UEFA EURO 2004 and UEFA EURO 200. As a EUROTOP partner, Hyundai will deliver a fleet of more than 350 Hyundai vehicles consisting of various models to transport teams, VIPs and tournament officials in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

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