AA and Ford strike pan-European roadside assistance deal

The AA has extended its relationship with Ford for another three years, having worked together since 2005. 

Under the terms of the agreement, the 1.1 million customers with Ford cars and commercial vehicles in the UK each year will have access to the AA’s full entitlement of roadside benefits, including roadside, home start, national recovery and onward travel.

Ford drivers will also have the same entitlements across Europe through the AA’s European Breakdown service, which operates through a multi-lingual call centre at Lyon in conjunction with ARC Europe Group.

Furthermore, Ford drivers visiting the UK from mainland Europe who need assistance will be cared for by the AA.

The latest agreement will also pave the way for the AA and Ford to enhance technology to improve car reliability and driver connectivity.  

Investment and collaboration are already underway with particular focus on electric vehicles and connected car capabilities.

As part of the AA offering, Ford customers will be provided with access to a range of driving and digital services creating additional value to Ford customers. 

The AA will adapt its breakdown app, with bespoke functionality for Ford providing its customers with the ability to report and track their breakdown digitally on their phones or tablets, which will significantly enhance their breakdown experience. 

The AA will also continue to maintain and utilise the Ford Transit as part of its roadside assistance fleet, which assists 10,000 drivers every day.

Gareth Kirkwood, AA managing director for roadside services, said: “I am pleased that our fantastic working relationship with Ford has been extended for another three years.

“Keeping Ford drivers safe is of paramount importance and technology will be at the heart of everything we do.

“We will also work together to ensure drivers get access to live traffic and travel information and up to date information about the health of their vehicle.”

Simon Breakwell, AA chief executive, concluded: “Putting service, innovation and data at the heart of everything we do is key to our strategy. Extending and enhancing closer B2B partnerships with major motor manufacturers, like Ford, are testament to the efforts we make to build and maintain strong B2B relationships.”

The Ford contract extension builds on the positive momentum in the AA’s B2B business, which has seen key business relationships renewed or extended with Jaguar Land Rover, Volkswagen, Suzuki and Lloyds in the last year.

In addition, the AA has renewed its partnership with Lex Autolease, the UK’s largest vehicle leasing business, and won a three-year contract with Arval following a competitive tendering process, a significant win for the AA in the fleet and leasing sector.

Business customers account for around 10 million of the AA’s 13 million members and underpin the scale of the AA’s Roadside operations. 

By innovating and differentiating its B2B offer, the AA is cementing its market leadership position as the B2B partner of choice for UK roadside assistance, it said.