Peter Lyon
February 5, 2026
BYD, the world’s top New Energy Vehicle (NEV – fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars) has become the Official Car Partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Glasgow 2026 is the largest sporting event in the UK this year, and one of the biggest events in the world this year after the Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup. Glasgow 2026 will take place from 23rd July to 2nd August with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories set to compete in world-class program of 10 sports and six Para sports in four iconic venues across the city.
BYD will provide the Games with 90 vehicles supporting operations and transportation for athletes, support crew and staff across the eight-mile corridor that will stage record-breaking competition.
At the announcement of the collaboration, Steve Beattie, Deputy Country Manager of BYD UK, and Jade Gallagher, Chief Operating Officer of Glasgow 2026, were joined by Glasgow native Katie Shanahan. Shanahan will be representing Team Scotland at the Games, with BYD also becoming an Official Partner of the host nation for the event. Shanahan is among Team Scotland’s swimming stars aiming for medal glory in front of a passionate home crowd.
Speaking on the brand’s latest sport collaboration, Steve Beattie, Deputy Country Manager of BYD UK, said:
“BYD is hugely proud to become the Official Car Partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. With the city’s organisers creating a highly sustainable model for running the Games, I believe BYD’s technology-led approach to reducing emissions makes this agreement the perfect fit for both sides.”
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 for their innovation in new energy vehicles.”
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% market share of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, ranking it as the number one New Emission Vehicle manufacturer.
The 10 Commonwealth Gams sports are:
- Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field)
- Swimming and Para Swimming
- 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball
- Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling
- Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
- Bowls and Para Bowls (Indoor)
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Netball
- Boxing
- Judo
