Geely money puts Project Bloodhound back on track

The Bloodhound Project has announced Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH) as its prime sponsor and official automotive partner in a three-year agreement on Monday (September 26).

The leading Chinese automotive group will provide technical, as well as financial support to the Project and promote its inspirational programme throughout Asia.

The deal, signed in August 2016, is the largest in the history of the project and means plans for challenging the World Land Speed Record in 2017 are now back on track.

Great reach and impact

Project Bloodhouund is a British initiative with global reach. Followed in over 200 countries, its roadshows have toured Europe, Canada, South Africa, Brazil, India and China. The Model Rocket Car Challenge is now rolling out across 5500 UK schools and 10 countries, while the UK’s Great Campaign, an official partner to the Project, uses Bloodhound to promote UK skills worldwide.

ZGH is the largest privately owned Chinese Auto Group and has grown rapidly over the last few decades. The parent company to Geely Auto, ZGH, also owns Volvo Car Group and London Taxi Company.

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It joins a roster of international organisations supporting the Bloodhound Project, including the likes of Rolls-Royce, Castrol and Rolex. Jaguar continues in its role as technical partner to the project and its V8 engine will remain the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) used to power the oxidiser pump for the Bloodhound’s rocket.

The partnership will see Geely Auto technology being used within Bloodhound SSC; Geely Group vehicles being used in South Africa throughout record campaigns; design and engineering support being provided, where required, to help the Project achieve its goals; promotion of Bloodhound across Asia and the team’s stem inspiration programme rolled out across China.

Planning ahead to 2017

Bloodhound project director Richard Noble said: “We could not have a better partner than Geely: not only are they an international technology company with tremendous vision and capability, they share our passion for innovation and education. Their support, both technical and financial, means we can now plan next year’s record-breaking challenge with confidence."

WATCH: Richard Noble on Bloodhound SA

Li Shufu, chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, said: “We are proud and excited to be part of this extraordinary team. Geely shares the same challenging spirit and passion for pushing technological barriers as the Bloodhound Project."