IRONMAN & VinFast Announce Global Partnership
The IRONMAN Group expands its universe by partnering with leading automotive manufacturer VinFast in a global business deal to help expand both brands’ presence in the fitness and health industries
What happens when the world’s largest operation of mass participation sports teams up with the world’s first automotive company to have switched from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles? A groundbreaking business agreement that may very well usher in many more firsts in the world of fitness and vehicles.
IRONMAN and VinFast have announced a global partnership in which the latter will become the first ever naming rights partner of the IRONMAN U.S. Series, starting this year. In addition, VinFast has agreed to become the title partner for the 2022 IRONMAN World Championship, the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, and the Exclusive Electric Vehicle Partner of the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 Series through 2025. VinFast will also be the Exclusive Automotive Vehicle, Electric Vehicle, Scooter, and Bus Partner of The IRONMAN Group. IRONMAN enthusiasts and participants can expect to see VinFast branding at IRONMAN events as well as the chance to test drive VinFast electric vehicle cars.
In response to the historical collaboration, IRONMAN Group’s President and CEO, Andrew Messick, stated in a press release, “The IRONMAN Group is delighted to have developed with VinFast a comprehensive and far-reaching partnership, inclusive of our pinnacle IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship events. We value the way VinFast pushes the boundaries forward through their smart and eco-friendly electric vehicles to create a sustainable future for all.” He added, “This is much like the spirit of IRONMAN and our athletes to break through and surpass preconceived boundaries.”
VinFast Global CEO and Vingroup Vice Chairwoman Ms Le Thi Thu Thuy shared her explanation behind the significant business connection. “Sharing the spirit that ‘Anything is Possible,’ we are honored to be a Premier Partner of IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3 Series. We are proud to be part of the moments that push people beyond their boundaries, and beyond what many have thought is humanly possible. We are certain that our electric mobility will strongly underpin the journeys of IRONMAN athletes around the world to be boundless.”
A signing ceremony to officially declare both groups’ new business union was held in Nha Trang, Vietnam on July 23. The decision to bound both The IRONMAN Group and VinFast in this unprecedented global deal comes after news of the former’s multi-year partnership with fitness technology company Wahoo Fitness in April. This partnership was set to yield a new chapter in fitness connectivity for endurance athletes.
Messick told Athletech News in November of 2021 his greatest accomplishment was the work he achieved during his tenure with The IRONMAN Group. “Over the last 10 years, we’ve expanded the brand internationally and have built a platform that enables people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds to transform their lives through sport.” Per the organization’s alliance with VinFast, Messick’s continued work can now both broaden IRONMAN’s fitness mission and help to improve the environment.
