Glasgow 2026 has appointed the Games’ first ever electrified vehicle partner with BYD, the world’s leading New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, as Official Car Partner, driving Glasgow 2026’s ambition to deliver a greener Games.
Glasgow 2026 is the largest sporting event in the UK this year, taking place from 23 July to 2 August with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories set to compete in world-class programme of 10 sports and six Para sports in four iconic venues across the city.
The partnership was announced at Glasgow’s Riverside Museum with Commonwealth bronze Swimmer and Team Scotland hopeful, Katie Shanahan. BYD will provide the Games with 90 vehicles supporting transportation for Games Family, support crew and any operational needs across the eight-mile corridor that will stage record breaking competition.
BYD also becomes an Official Partner of Team Scotland, providing vehicles for Games-time team requirements and King’s Baton Relay activation in Scotland.
BYD brings a proven track record in transportation solutions for major international events, their Glasgow fleet will span the BYD range with fully electric and hybrid models from the Prestige lineup as well as SUVs, all designed with BYD’s leading battery technology.
Speaking on the brand’s latest sport collaboration, Steve Beattie, Deputy Country Manager at BYD UK, said: “BYD is hugely proud to become the Official Car Partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. With the event organisers creating a highly sustainable model for running the Games, BYD’s technology-led approach to reducing emissions makes it the perfect fit.”
Jade Gallagher, Chief Operating Officer, Glasgow 2026, added: “One of our biggest ambitions for Glasgow 2026 is to be the most environmentally sustainable Commonwealth Games, setting new standards for best practice by using existing venues, reducing waste and carbon emissions. We can’t achieve that without a partner like BYD who have a global reputation their innovation in New Energy Vehicles.
“We’re encouraging active travel across our eight-mile corridor of iconic venues, meaning we’ve reduced the volume of vehicles needed to power a major multi-sport event and BYD will support transportation for Games Family, support crew and operations.”
BYD is at the forefront of electrifying the UK automotive landscape, with its performance on the global stage mirrored by its sales figures on a domestic level. Through 2025, BYD achieved a 12.01% market share of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, ranking it as the number one New Emission Vehicle manufacturer.
