Ericsson becomes official sponsor to the Volvo Ocean Race
by Event Media 18 Sep 2001 19:13 BST
Ericsson Mobile Communications, a leading mobile telephone provider, announced that it is the official mobile communications sponsor to the Volvo Ocean Race 2001, which starts this Sunday, 23 September 2001.
Ericsson's brand will be in all the ports of call, on arrival backdrops, media backdrops and on all promotional literature. The crews and the media teams will be provided with Ericsson mobile phones at the start and finish of legs for radio/web interviews and to conduct live links into the race villages. In addition, Ericsson will sponsor the voice recorded results service, which will be promoted on the Volvo Ocean Race website www.volvooceanrace.org (to be confirmed).
Ericsson is also the communications partner of the Team SEB syndicate, which is skippered by Gurra Krantz. Ericsson and SEB have together developed a banking application which can be used on the Ericsson R380 mobile handset. R380 is the ideal tool for efficient mobile Internet access for the mobile professional.
The race is underway at the same time as the launch of the new Sony Ericsson joint venture.
"The synergy with world class performance, power and technology that is intrinsic to both Ericsson and the race is a perfect partnership. Our involvement as an official sponsor and sponsor of the Team SEB syndicate gives us a global platform to build brand awareness and show the practical
use of modern technology and communications combined with financial service. The tough offshore environment and the unique circumstances in the different stopovers are a good environment to use
these services in," says Jan Wareby, Executive Vice President, Ericsson Mobile Communications.
Commenting on the Ericsson sponsorship, Helge Alten, Chief Executive of the Volvo Ocean Race said " I am delighted to have Ericsson as a sponsor for the event. With communication being such a vital part of this global event, their involvment adds a new dimension to our overall capabilities"
This is not the first yachting event Ericsson has been involved with. Last year the company was one of five main sponsors in the America's Cup and sponsor of the Virtual Spectator in the Challenger Races, which allowed yachting enthusiasts from around the globe to follow each race in detail from their computers. Ericsson was also one of 8 IT companies to sponsor a yacht in the BT Global Challenge 2000/01.
Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world.
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