BMW is implementing a series of steps to improve its aftersales service - including the introduction of free accident management and uninsured loss recovery by Mondial Assistance for BMW users. The manufacturer's Emergency Service Cover offered to customers will also grow, with the fleet of technician-manned BMW 5 Series Tourings - operated by Mondial Assistance - due to increase to more than 50 during 1998. It currently stands at around 40.

In a letter to fleet customers, corporate operations manager Alan Waldie said: 'These vehicles will on average be at the scene within 40 minutes of any call being received. They will carry essential spares and diagnostic equipment and already have an exceptional record of repairing vehicles on site without the need for recovery by conventional emergency services.'

Full details of the accident management service are yet to be revealed, but Waldie said it would relieve many corporate customers of the need to include BMWs in independently-arranged schemes.