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Mazda supports Phelps after apology

Thursday, 12th February 2009 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)

UPDATE: The New York Times reports that Phelps' video was sent to Chinese media outlets by Mazda. Our favorite headline for this one comes from AdAge. Mazda to Phelps: You Apologize to China Right Now!



Michael Phelps is taking special care of his image in China, issuing a vague video apology, subtitled in Chinese, for the infamous bong toking photo that landed him, among other places, on the front page of this country's biggest sports newspaper.

It seems likely that this wasn't Phelps' own idea. In January, Mazda signed the swimmer to a seven-figure China deal. DMG, the sports agency that signed him, issued a statement supporting Phelps, shortly after the photo came out, but Mazda waited until after the video was released to state publicly that it would go ahead with the sponsorship deal.


Related: Phelps signs exclusive China deal with Mazda

Tags: DMG Entertainment, Mazda, Michael Phelps, sports marketing

Phelps signs exclusive China deal with Mazda

Tuesday, 6th January 2009 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)

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Michael Phelps (菲尔普斯) has signed the biggest ever endorsement contract for a Western celebrity in China, claims DMG Entertainment group, the agency that reportedly signed him to a seven-figure deal with Mazda.

Phelps, who captured the awe of China (along with the rest of the world) while winning eight swimming gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, will promote the Mazda 6 through television and print ads, as well as public appearances. According to Bloomberg News,Mazda sold 105,000 cars in China in the first 10 months of 2008. Phelps will come to Beijing soon to start pitching for the Japanese automaker.

Related: Michael Phelps' marketing in Chinese

Michael Phelps image: Hudong.com

Tags: DMG Entertainment, Mazda, Michael Phelps, sports marketing, swimming