Allianz has been engaged in Formula One™ since 2000 and is successfully linking Formula One™ related topics with Allianz core lines of business. Within this partnership, Allianz utilizes Formula One™ to highlight the importance of risk management and road safety. Over 3000 people die in road traffic accidents around the world every day and for every fatality there are ten serious injuries. Due to increasing road traffic these numbers are expected to double by 2020.
An important role within the Allianz commitment to safety is the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT). The AZT is based in Munich and specializes in decreasing damage severity as well as reducing damage frequency – it is a worldwide unique research institute. Dedicated to improving road and car safety, the AZT conducts one crash test every week of the year.
Allianz shall continue to utilize Formula One™ as a backdrop to drive the important topic of road safety throughout 2010. Allianz plans numerous safety events in various locations around the world with the Official Formula One™ Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer and ex Formula One™ driver and Allianz Safety Ambassador Christian Danner. Additionally Allianz will continue to provide journalists and media worldwide with graphics, pictures and videos free of charge.
"Performance capacity, teamwork, innovation, dynamism, the constant balancing of risks and the greatest possible safety are decisive for success – not only in the top class of motor racing. These factors, combined with confidence and reliability, are our standards for customer service anywhere in the world," comments Allianz CEO Michael Diekmann.
Allianz first entered into Formula One™ in 2000 by partnering with the Williams F1 team. In 2002, trackside advertising was initiated to drive brand awareness worldwide, primarily targeting Europe and Asia. In 2007 Allianz became an "Official Global Partner of Formula One™," providing exclusivity in the Financial Services sector and an increased focus on safety. In February 2011 Allianz announced its new partnership with the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One™ Team. The partnership underlines Allianz’ commitment to road safety, Formula One™ and the automotive industry.