ŠKODA is this year’s official main sponsor of the annual IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship and is so for the 20th consecutive time. The tournament will see the world’s 16 best ice hockey nations take on each other in Finland and Sweden from May 04th through 20th. It will also see a presence of ŠKODA’s that is stronger than ever.

Whether it is the 45 vehicles of ŠKODA’s fleet ferrying officials and guests, whether its is logos placed on the ice, rinkside and on jerseys and helmets of no less than five teams or events in the stadiums and the digital media: ŠKODA is making a significant showing at this world championship.

“For two decades now, our strong presence as official main sponsor at IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships has been making an important contribution to ŠKODA’s success story and has crucially strengthened our brand’s image and recognition in international markets,” emphasizes ŠKODA CEO Winfried Vahland. As official main sponsor, the IIHF WM enables ŠKODA to reach around 800 millions TV spectators worldwide.

ŠKODA’s sponsoring is evident in an extremely wide range of instances. During the WM a ŠKODA fleet made up of 45 Superb Combi is a strong eye catcher in Helsinki and Stockholm. “We also welcome the innovative concept of hosting the WM in two countries. Thereby we can present our products in not one but two strong ice hockey markets to over 500,000 spectators on premises. This fits in perfectly with the strong international focus of our growth strategy,” adds Vahland. The many spectators can look forward to a wide range of ŠKODA vehicle presentations around the arenas in Helsinki and Stockholm including attractive activities and surprise events.

The ŠKODA Logo in the centre circle on the ice has long become a hallmark of IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships. Presentation of new models as well as rinkside advertising underline the main sponsor’s marked presence. Also, no less than five national teams, namely the ones from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Norway, France and Kazakhstan will sport the ŠKODA-Logo on the ice on their jerseys and helmets.

ŠKODA is offering a special treat for digital media aficionados:
To this belongs the brand’s exclusive Smartphone App named ‘2012 IIHF WM App powered by ŠKODA’. This app for iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry brings all a fan needs to know about the WM directly and free of charge to the Smartphones of the fans.

Also, a special internet page available at www.skoda-auto.com during 2012 IIHF WM offers a live ticker, up-to-the-minute results and standings as well as daily WM news and lots of interactive fun and games.

Finally, ŠKODA features live and on-demand broadcasts as well as game highlights on the championship’s official YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/icehockey.