KIA MOTORS Australia has been confirmed as Essendon's new co-major partner, with the club announcing a five-year deal with the car manufacturer on Friday.

Kia Motors, based globally in Korea, replaces Samsung, who has sponsored the club for the past three seasons.

Essendon CEO Ian Robson said the partnership is believed to be the largest co-major partnership in AFL history, and one of the largest individual sponsorships in Australian sport.

"We are genuinely excited by the alignment of two great teams - from both a commercial and brand perspective," Robson said.
 
"Kia is committed to delivering a progressive and innovative product, and these attributes are parallel to our values at the Essendon Football Club."

The alignment will see Kia's logo alternate between the front and back of the Essendon guernsey during home and away games, with co-major partner True Value Solar displayed on the alternate side.

Globally, the Kia Motors Group supports some of the world's largest sporting organisations and events, including the FIFA World Cup, the Australian Open Tennis Grand Slam tournament and the National Basketball Association.

Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer Tony Barlow said Kia and Essendon were excited to be working together for at least until the end of 2016.
 
"Essendon is a club on the way back; Kia is a brand on the way up…just one of the synergies that we believe makes this relationship a perfect match," Barlow said.

Callum Twomey covers Essendon news for afl.com.au and essendonfc.com.au. Follow him on Twitter at @Cal_Twomey.