New Zealand Cricket have signed a major sponsorship deal with Ford that will see the global car manufacturer back all levels of the sport in New Zealand.

Ford will be the official vehicle supplier to New Zealand Cricket, the governing body of the sport in the country, the Blackcaps men's national team and the White Ferns women's national team. It will also be the official team sponsor of the six Major Association teams competing in men’s domestic cricket.

"To be able to partner with a prestigious and high profile international company such as Ford is a great boost for the game at all levels in this country," said New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan. "The positive effect of our partnership will provide benefits from the grass roots all the way through to the White Ferns and Blackcaps."

• HRV takes naming rights to New Zealand Twenty20
• Rowing NZ extends sponsorship to cover London 2012

"We are very confident that cricket in New Zealand is in a great position to capitalise on our growing popularity and Ford's involvement will help us achieve this," he added.

Ford's managing director, Trevor Auger, added: "A key attraction to this sponsorship with New Zealand Cricket is the ability to be involved at all levels. Being engaged from a community level up to the Blackcaps provides so many opportunities and we are really looking forward to becoming part of the cricket community. This is the first time Ford New Zealand has had a commercial relationship  with New Zealand Cricket and already it appears there is an exciting summer ahead."