An impressive 125 times the circumference of the earth is the distance ŠKODA cars have covered at the service of IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships so far. Their aggregate mileage totalled over five million kilometres over the past 20 years. None of the countless trips for officials and WM guests was ever interrupted because of a technical defect in a ŠKODA vehicle. A professional production and maintenance logistics effort ensures everything goes without a hitch.

Whether in Canada, Russia or another one of the many host countries of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships of the last 20 years, ŠKODA as official main sponsor always does everything to make sure that officials and WM guests reach their destination safely, dependably and comfortably. Also, ŠKODA introduced new models to the respective host countries more than once on the occasion of a WM. Currently, the Superb Combi, an upper middle class model, serves as shuttle vehicle at the IIHF Ice Hockey WM.

But before this happens, ŠKODA and the respective ŠKODA importer for the WM host country work together to define the exact specifications for the 40 to 50 cars required. The special WM cars are then made to these specifications at the respective production facility.

For the 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, held in Finland and Sweden, a total of 25 ŠKODA Superb Combi in “Ambition Business” trim will operate in Helsinki, Finland, while another 20 ŠKODA Superb Combi in “Elegance” will be in service in Stockholm. As the WM 2012 is held in two countries simultaneously, the cars serving Sweden will be transported by ship to Helsinki for the final round and then shipped back to Sweden after the WM. The first ŠKODA cars were delivered to the respective local organisation committees for travel and logistics purposes as early as August 2011.

Over the past years, despite ŠKODA WM fleets clocking up a total mileage of more than five million kilometres, not a single trip was interrupted because of a technical defect. Still, ŠKODA aims to be prepared for any eventuality that may arise during the 250,000 kilometre mileage typically covered during a WM. This is why the local ŠKODA importer will support the ŠKODA WM shuttle service with a 24-hour service during the tournament. This will take care of vehicles e.g. in case of an accident and provide replacement cars if necessary.

For the IIHF WM, ŠKODA driver personnel will be given a comprehensive introduction to the cars including thorough product training. “The drivers at a WM are important ambassadors for the ŠKODA brand,” explains Jürgen Stackmann, ŠKODA board member for sales and marketing. “This is why we make sure that they are familiar with our cars, that they feel comfortable driving them and can answer questions about them knowledgeably. After all, a good impression of our cars that makes the rounds is the best publicity the ŠKODA brand can get,” Stackmann adds.