In a major off-field coup, the Western Bulldogs have announced a ground-breaking three-year partnership with global automotive manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia.

It is the first time the Bulldogs have aligned with an automotive manufacturer, and the first partnership with a major sporting club for Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia.

As principal partner for the 2018 season and beyond, the Mercedes Benz-Vans logo will feature on the back of the Bulldogs’ AFL guernsey, with Mission Foods remaining on the front of the guernsey as the major partner of the Club.

The Mercedes-Benz Vans logo will also be prominent on the Club’s apparel and official media backdrop from next season.

Western Bulldogs President Peter Gordon said the new partnership was a great outcome for both Mercedes-Benz Vans and the Club.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mercedes-Benz Vans into the Western Bulldogs family,” said Bulldogs’ President Peter Gordon.

“This partnership breaks new ground for the club as our first automotive partner, and we are excited to work closely with such a high calibre global brand which shares similar values and ambitions to the Bulldogs.”

Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand, Diane Tarr, said this partnership was the perfect fit for the Mercedes-Benz Vans brand.

“The Bulldogs are a nationally admired sporting team, and the values of the Club are very much aligned with our values at Mercedes-Benz Vans,” she said.

“Our products and people are known for their reliability, resilience and capability to get the job done. We support people in their business operations and have an unrelenting passion to be the best.

“I can’t think of a better club to align with than the Western Bulldogs. We will be so proud to have our Mercedes-Benz Vans logo on the back of every Bulldogs AFL guernsey.”    

As part of the partnership, renowned chef Shane Delia, owner of Maha restaurant and Biggie Smalls, and an ambassador for the Bulldogs and Mercedes-Benz Vans, will work with both brands on some exclusive inner sanctum experiences.

And much like the Western Bulldogs’ recent on-field success, the stature of Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia is also set to strengthen.

The existing range, including the industry renowned Sprinter and Vito, will expand next year with the highly-anticipated introduction of the new Mercedes-Benz X-Class Ute.

“The X-Class will be a Ute that knows no compromise.  Much like what the Western Bulldogs demonstrated last year, the X-Class will set new standards in a highly competitive and established field,” Tarr said.

To find out more on Mercedes-Benz Vans, click here.