20 February 2019
The AA, the UK’s largest roadside recovery provider has extended its relationship with Ford, the bestselling car manufacturer in the UK in a pan-European deal. This latest contract win continues to establish the AA as the partner of choice for the UK motor indus
Having worked together since 2005, the latest deal will extend our relationship with Ford for another three years.
This is in line with our key strategic B2B direction, putting service innovation and data at the heart of what we do;
- Creating industry leading cutting-edge B2B partnerships
- Delivering world class customer service
- Investing more than any other provider in technology and people
- Developing connected and integrated Roadside propositions and new data services
- Enhancing our leading position as the B2B partner of choice for the motor industry
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 which include; roadside, home start, national recovery and onward travel.
Multi-lingual call centre
Ford drivers will also have the same entitlements across Europe through the AA’s European Breakdown service in conjunction with ARC Europe Group. Similarly, 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.
Adapted App
Ford customers will be able to use their FordPass App for pan European breakdowns, to report & track roadside assistance. This is via the ARC SPARX integration platform. The AA and ARC are both working together to deliver a smooth customer experience.
Transit for AA patrols
The AA will also continue to maintain and utilise the award-winning Ford Transit as part of its roadside assistance fleet which rescues 10,000 drivers every day, more than any other motoring organisation.
Gareth Kirkwood, AA managing director for roadside services, says; “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
“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.”
Putting service, innovation and data at the heart of everything we do is key to our strategy
Positive momentum in B2B
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 3-year contract with Arval following a competitive tendering process, a significant ;win for the AA in the Fleet and Leasing Sector.
10 million business customers
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.
