The five-year agreement with the stadium operators, the Surrey County Cricket Club, is Kia’s first entrance in cricket and is worth over £3.5 million.

Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon said it is “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 would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Brit Insurance, which had been our lead sponsor since 2004.”

Kia Motors (UK) 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.”

The manufacturer will also become Surrey’s main shirt sponsor.