British soccer icon David Beckham has become the new face of Jaguar as it makes a major push of its brand in China. Beckham will star in a series of magazine and billboard advertisements and TV commercials promoting the new F-Type coupe in China.PETER LINDBERGH
Jaguar has signed English soccer icon David Beckham to promote its brand in China.
As part of his long-term deal, Beckham will appear in magazine, billboard and television ads across the nation. First up for the former footballer: the Jaguar F-Type coupe. Down the road, he'll promote other models, including the Jaguar XJ, the brand's large luxury sedan.
"We are absolutely thrilled that David will be an ambassador for Jaguar in China," said Bob Grace, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover, in a press release. "David Beckham is a Briton whose achievements mean he has global popularity and he is someone who embodies contemporary British style and sophistication. He is a truly modern, British individual with a genuine passion for design, innovation, performance and driving."
While the emphasis is clearly on the British heritage of both Becks and Jag, the company has been owned by Tata Motors of India since 2008.
Ford grandson dies
William Clay Ford, the last surviving grandson of automotive icon Henry Ford died of pneumonia on Sunday at his home in Grosse Pointe, Mich. He was 88. Ford, the youngest of Edsel Ford's four children, owned the NFL's Detroit Lions.
Still more awards
The Audi A3, BMW 4-Series and Mazda3 have been announced as finalists for the 2014 World Car of the Year title. The winner will be crowned at the New York Auto Show on April 17.
No pain, no gain
A Caledon, Ont., woman – who won a 2014 Toyota Corolla after rolling up the rim to win in the popular Tim Hortons contest – owes it all to a blow to her daughter's head, cbc.ca reports. Deborah Armstrong decided to get a coffee while waiting in the emergency ward of a Brampton hospital for her 28-year-old daughter, Caitlin – who had fallen on some ice. She showed the winning cup to her daughter who "just screamed, 'My mother won a car!'" Armstrong said on CBC Radio's Here and Now. Caitlin Armstrong's injury, by the way, was not serious.
If you have questions about driving or car maintenance, please contact our experts at globedrive@globeandmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter @Globe_Drive.
Add us to your circles.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Darren McGee