Isuzu EA offices, Chief Financial Officer, Charles Kariuki hands over an Isuzu car key to Eliud Kipchoge during signing of brand ambassador partnership at the manufacturer's offices in Nairobi, September 13, 2017. [Photo|Isuzu East Africa]Truck and bus manufacturer, Isuzu East Africa (Isuzu EA), has announced a one-year brand ambassador partnership with 2016 Olympic Gold medallist, Eliud Kipchoge.Valued at Sh7 million, the brand ambassador partnership will see Kipchoge receive a brand new Isuzu Dmax Double Cab for his training and personal use, as well as full servicing of the vehicle during the partnership period.Speaking at the signing ceremony at Isuzu EA offices, Chief Financial Officer, Charles Kariuki said the partnership was vital to the realisation of Isuzu EA’s business objective, besides uplifting the sports industry in Kenya.“Building strong relationships is at the very heart of our success as Isuzu EA. Through this partnership, we will be drawing from Kipchoge’s success to further boost our Isuzu brand visibility, drive sales and at the same time support him in his journey of success,” he said, Wednesday.Kariuki added that the brand ambassadorship was key in deepening the Isuzu brand promise through a robust engagement plan that will see Kipchoge use the vehicle to meet his training and lifestyle requirements. He noted that Kipchoge conveyed attributes that fit well with the company’s promise to their customers.“Eliud Kipchoge resonates well with our corporate and product brands. He has time and again shown strength, resilience and reliability through his performances. And as he goes about his training, this partnership demonstrates our promise of Tuko Pamoja Safarini to him.”Kariuki also announced that Isuzu EA would reward Kipchoge with a Luxury Double Cab pickup valued at Sh5.9 million if he breaks the world record during his upcoming race in Berlin.
A visibly happy Eliud Kipchoge at the signing ceremony, appreciated Isuzu EA while noting the beginning of a long-lasting relationship.“I am very excited to partner with Isuzu as their brand ambassador. Isuzu has been on a long journey to reach its current success, a journey that I can relate to as an athlete. I look forward to growing the Isuzu brand to greater heights,” said Kipchoge.Isuzu EA similarly signed a partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union in 2016 to become the official transport partner providing two Isuzu Dmax Double Cab pickups and three Isuzu Cruiser buses. The partnership with Kipchoge is yet another initiative by Isuzu EA to support the growth of sporting talent in the country.