Surrey County Cricket Club chief executive Paul Sheldon says securing car manufacturer Kia as lead sponsors brings financial certainty to the club.

The firm, which has signed a five year deal worth £3.5million, will have full and exclusive naming rights to The Oval and become the primary shirt sponsor for cricket manager Chris Adams' men.

Kia - part of the third biggest auto group in the world - takes over from Brit Insurance as the club and ground’s primary partner.

The deal comes into force on January 1st 2011 and Sheldon believes it is a major coup to get Kia - which has its UK head office in Weybridge - on board.

“To sign a deal with a leading international brand such as Kia is a fantastic boost to the club," he said.

“It is also hugely beneficial to us that we have been able to agree a five year deal as this allows us to plan for the future – both financially and on the field – with certainty.

"I have great confidence that our partnership has a long and strong future ahead of it.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Brit Insurance, which had been our lead sponsor since 2004.

"Throughout this time they have been a great support and I am delighted they are still a major supporter of our sport."

Kia Motors (UK) Ltd managing director Michael Cole added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us to put our brand right at the heart of England’s favourite summer sport and in front of an enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable audience.

"We are delighted to be linked with such an iconic location as The Oval - it is rightly famous around the world - and as our UK headquarters are in Weybridge it is a privilege to be so closely linked with Surrey."