On the media‑day afternoon of the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the GAC booth was packed with visitors amid a festive atmosphere. Witnessed by hundreds of global media outlets, industry partners and on‑site audiences, the strategic‑cooperation signing ceremony between GAC and English Premier League giant Chelsea FC took place with great fanfare. GAC was officially named the Official Automotive Partner of Chelsea Football Club, marking a new milestone for GAC’s local‑market branding and emotional engagement across Europe and beyond.
Amid warm applause, Chen Jiacai, Vice President of GAC Group and Chairman of GAC International, and Todd Kline, President of Commercial at Chelsea FC, signed the strategic‑cooperation agreement on behalf of both parties. Xia Xianqing, President of GAC Group, and Chelsea football legend Claude Makélélé took the stage to witness this historic moment. Also in attendance were Alex Smith, Director of Partnerships at Chelsea FC, Wei Haigang, President of GAC International, and Ma Haiyang, President of GAC International European Regional Center.
Group photo taken at the signing ceremony
A legendary defensive midfielder in Chelsea’s history, Claude Makélélé’s presence sent excitement soaring at the GAC booth. On‑site, Makélélé gave an impromptu ball‑juggling demonstration. His exquisite skills and lively interaction drew rounds of applause and cheers from the crowd.
Claude Makélélé demonstrates ball‑juggling skills at the booth
GAC’s welcome robot, dressed in the No.4 jersey, became the cutest fan on site. Makélélé happily signed his autograph on the robot, bringing cutting‑edge technology and football passion together in perfect harmony.
Claude Makélélé signs his autograph on GAC’s welcome robot
Following the ceremony, Makélélé toured the GAC exhibition area and got first‑hand experience of GAC’s latest new‑energy models. After test‑riding and evaluating the vehicles, he spoke highly of their outstanding performance in premium build quality, ride comfort and intelligent configurations.
Claude Makélélé experiences GAC vehicle models accompanied by GAC representatives
Football is Europe’s most influential sport and one of the most powerful emotional bridges connecting brands and consumers. GAC was previously announced as Official Automotive Partner of LaLiga side Villarreal CF. This new partnership with Chelsea represents another major step for GAC as it deepens its European footprint and builds brand experiences rooted in local culture and lifestyles.
Going forward, GAC will keep refining its products with an engineer’s mindset, forge closer emotional bonds via football‑culture activations, and press ahead with full‑chain localised development. It will deliver high‑quality, heartfelt and trustworthy green mobility solutions for European customers. Driven by product excellence and sporting spirit, GAC sets course for an even broader global stage.