The new six-year deal will begin with this year's championship in Sweden and end after the championships in 2007. It includes an option to extend until 2010.
The deal with SkodaAuto was negotiated by KirchSport.
The company has been involved with the event since 1992 when it joined the sponsorship family as 'official car'. It has been an official main sponsor since 1993.
The contract provides SkodaAuto with a package of rights, including title sponsorship, perimeter board advertising in the best camera positions, centre circle advertising, car placement in the arenas and official car service on-site and around the event. The sponsorship also includes team sponsorship of the Czech and Slovak Republic teams.
Said KirchSport chairman, Oscar Frei: "Ice hockey is an important sport for KirchSport and the partnership with SkodaAuto is worth praising since it demonstrates a significant commitment to the future growth of the IIHF World Championships and the sport of ice hockey."
