General Motors said it would end its endorsement deal with Tiger Woods at the end of the year in an amicable parting aimed at saving the struggling automaker cash.
Both GM and Woods agreed to a mutual and amicable separation that included a desire for more personal time for the 14-time major winner who is expecting his second child in late winter as well as the search for budget efficiencies during a difficult economy for General Motors. For the past nine years, Woods has endorsed GM products around the world and has been heavily associated with the Buick brand in the US, Canada and China markets.
“Tiger has been a great friend to GM and a fantastic asset through the years helping to bring consumer awareness to many new GM products,” said Mark LaNeve, General Motors North American VP of sales, service and marketing. “In light of the news coming out of Washington, this decision is the result of discussions that started earlier in the year and the timing of this agreement with these other activities is purely coincidental.”
In a statement, Woods said, “I am very proud of the long standing partnership Ive had with GM and have enjoyed being a part of the companys dramatic product evolution. Weve had a lot of fun together and I participated in some unique and rewarding activities. Weve enjoyed a tremendous partnership over the years and we will maintain strong ties with the many people at GM we call friends.”
