Formula One now without British American Tobacco
Following this coming Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, British American Tobacco (BAT) will finally withdraw from auto racing after many years of sponsorship in Formula One.
After the Brazilian GP next Sunday, British American Tobacco (BAT) will finally withdraw from motor racing after many years of sponsorship involvement in Formula One. The tobacco manufacturer is thus complying with the new international marketing standards that BAT and its two major international competitors Phillip Morris and Japan Tobacco Internation agreed in 2001, as SDA writes. BAT had agreed to abandon Formula One by the end of this year. The International Marketing Standards for Tobacco Products, which apply worldwide, go beyond the requirements of local legislation in some countries.
Marketing Director Jimmi Rebiszewski said: "Public opinion and many of our associated interest groups no longer consider it appropriate for Formula One to be sponsored by the tobacco industry. We have listened to their views and agreed with them." BAT's marketing strategy has been adjusted for years to focus on the point of sale in stores frequented by adult smokers rather than mass media.
Marketing Director Jimmi Rebiszewski said: "Public opinion and many of our associated interest groups no longer consider it appropriate for Formula One to be sponsored by the tobacco industry. We have listened to their views and agreed with them." BAT's marketing strategy has been adjusted for years to focus on the point of sale in stores frequented by adult smokers rather than mass media.
