Chinese auto manufacturer SAIC Motor has announced a strategic partnership with one of the country’s leading sports teams, Shanghai SIPG Football Club, it was announced on Dec 28.

SAIC, whose brands include ROEWE and MG, said the partnership is a key element of its vision to become a world famous and innovative auto company. The cooperation with Shanghai SIPG Football Club will also form part of SAIC’s efforts to boost its innovative transformation and corporate social responsibility.

In 2015, Shanghai SIPG Football Club won the championship of the China Football Association Super League (CSL). By taking advantage of the club’s popularity around the country, SAIC aims to improve its global influence and build a reliable, responsible and innovative company image.

As an auto industry leader, SAIC ranked 60th on the Fortune Global 500 list in 2015. It’s the 11th time that SAIC has been on the list.

The company has ramped up efforts in recent times to expand its overseas market and establish a business network in Southeast Asia with Thailand as the center. Recently SAIC displayed its MG and Maxus models at the Dubai Motor Show 2015 and also opened a subsidiary in the Middle East as part of its strategy to move into that region.

SAIC Motor will continue to deepen its innovation-oriented development strategy, seek sustainable development and build itself into a world famous auto manufacturer.