- ŠKODA the official main sponsor of the IIHF World Championship for another six years
- Agreement with the IIHF marketing partner Infront extended until 2017
- Ice hockey a significant cornerstone of ŠKODA’s sponsoring strategy
Mladá Boleslav/Bratislava, May 13th, 2011 – ŠKODA has extended its commitment as the official main sponsor of the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) World Championship for another six years, i.e. until the year 2017. The announcement was made by the Czech automobile company, the ice hockey world federation IIHF, and Infront Sports & Media (the official marketing partner of the IIHF for world championships) within the framework of the 75th IIHF World Championship in Bratislava today. ŠKODA has already been the official main sponsor of the annual tournament for the world championship title in ice hockey since 1993. Among others, the long-term commitment was honored as the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for “the longest-lasting main sponsorship in the history of sports world championships”.
On the occasion of the announcing of the agreement, the head of ŠKODA, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, explained: “We are happy to be the main sponsor of the IIHF World Championship for another six years and thus to continue an extremely successful partnership. ŠKODA is putting the petal to the metal on the international markets. Until 2018, we want to at least double our sales to about 1.5 million vehicles. The fascination with ice hockey is a perfect fit for ŠKODA. The power of the sport will continue to support us on our future growth course.” ŠKODA’s commitment in ice hockey has played a key role for the company since the start of its success story at the beginning of the nineties and has continued to this day to significantly strengthen the image and the profile of the ŠKODA brand on the international markets.
Dr. René Fasel, President of the IIHF, comments: “Škoda’s involvement with the IIHF World Championship and its continued visual presence in national and international ice hockey has made the brand and the sport become almost inseparable. The long-term commitment speaks for itself in regards to the strength of the work achieved by all parties. I am pleased that Škoda, the IIHF and Infront will remain fully aligned to annually deliver the top event in international ice hockey. Reliable partners such as Škoda build the foundation for the continued and successful development of the tournament.”
Philippe Blatter, President & CEO of Infront, comments: “This year’s IIHF World Championship is the first major sports event where Škoda promotes its new corporate identity – a confirmation for the high value of the IIHF platform for marketing partners. The continued collaboration allows all parties involved to take on a long-term perspective and raise this partnership to new heights. Supported by Infront’s tailored services, Škoda can further develop as well as activate its sponsorship – to reach ambitious marketing objectives. We are convinced that the steadfast commitment by Škoda for the IIHF World Championship will also be a benchmark and driving force for other marketing partners.”
ŠKODA demonstrates its support for the IIHF World Championship in many ways. During the world championship in Slovakia that will come to a close this weekend, the Czech automobile manufacturer is as present as never before: Whether it is the vehicle fleet for officials and guests consisting of 40 cars, or the large ŠKODA logo in the center circle of the playing fields, or the placement of the logo on banners as well as on jerseys and helmets of a total of five teams, or the activities around the stadiums and on the Internet: ŠKODA leaves its mark at this world championship. A strong appearance that is expressed very succinctly – not least due to the new corporate design, which has been presented to millions of international TV viewers for the first time.
For more Information, please contact:
Evžen Krauskopf, Communications
P +420 326 811 784
[email protected]
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