The AA has recently launched a campaign strategy to become the UK's leading provider for 'the complete range of motoring services' to company car and van drivers, as well as private motorists.

The AA is already the UK's leading roadside emergency and breakdown recovery provider with 12 million customers, 50% of which are company car and van drivers. It can provide a comprehensive range of motoring services to businesses whether they operate small, medium or large fleets.

Saul Parsonson, General Manager, Major Accounts and ARC, said: 'The AA is renowned for its operational excellence but we also want to add a more commercial and innovative focus to our sales effort.'

A new customer-focused strategy was launched on January 1, 2002 with an extensive portfolio of products including: accident management; servicing, maintenance and repair; warranty work; GAP/VRI and credit insurances; technical training and vehicle inspections.

This is designed to expand the current roadside rescue and recovery service on which the organisation has established its reputation.

Adrian Waters, General Manager, Commercial Sales, said: 'We are growing our roadside service customer base and intend to maximise the opportunities that exist to provide additional services to those customers. The strength of the AA brand coupled with the quality service we provide will enable us to win significant new business in other motoring areas.'

Parsonson said: 'A common perception that prevails is that the AA can only help customers in a breakdown situation. However, we also offer some very positive services that can benefit fleets enormously. We want fleets to talk to us regarding their needs so we can provide solutions and packages that will fit those requirements.'

'Partnerships can be critical to a successful business in today's economic environment and with the renowned quality of the AA brand together with our new range of services the AA is an attractive business partner for all types of customer.'

Recently the AA has developed a vehicle sourcing operation. It is also reviewing a vehicle leasing service, targeting small-to-medium vehicle fleets where it has approximately 55,000 customers operating a total of more than one million vehicles.

Evidence of the AA's ambitions can be seen in last year's £5.75 million acquisition of Halford's 129 vehicle servicing sites which are being re-branded AA Service Centres. The network will be completely re-launched by the end of 2002 and the AA is researching the possibility of offering a maintenance budget card for the servicing network and fixed cost maintenance packages.

For further details of products and services offered by AA Business Services, telephone 0800 55 11 88 or e-mail FleetEnquiries@theAA.com. Further information on vehicle acquisition, Euro NCAP tests, accident management, company car tax and driver training can be found at www.theAA.com.

'Motoring essentials' - core services from the AA

Warranty - protects customers against unexpected repair bills in the event of mechanical or electrical breakdown. Three levels of cover are available over a flexible periods ranging from three months to three years.

GAP/VRI insurance - in the event of vehicle 'write off' GAP or VRI insurance protects customers for the 'gap' between the insurers payout and the outstanding finance (GAP) or original purchase price (VRI).

Credit insurance - protects customers' vehicle finance repayments against life, accident, sickness and unemployment with flexible - life/accident/sickness - life/unemployment options available.

Roadside - patrols are able to diagnose and fix more than eight out of 10 cars on the roadside. The AA's 3,600 patrols respond to calls for assistance in an industry leading average of 35 minutes.

Vehicle inspections - Using first class technology, highly trained and flexible inspection teams deliver accurate and process driven inspections.

Technical training - AA Training Services' offers high quality bespoke technical training on the latest automotive technology. Small AA training teams are focused solely on a manufacturer's technology, thereby engendering complete brand loyalty.

AA Service Centres - easily accessible via centralised booking and can perform all aspects of repair, servicing and MOT's to the manufacturer's own specifications for most of the major marques. Fully trained staff will deliver high levels of service at competitive rates with all work performed in compliance with manufacturers' warranties where applicable.

AA accident management - If one of your company vehicles has been damaged, immobilised or stolen AA accident management can help save your company time and money by handling the resulting insurance claim, repairs and uninsured loss recovery. Your driver just makes one call and we do the rest.

Contact:
AA Business Services
0800 55 11 88

The Automobile Association
Fanum House
Dog Kennel Lane
Halesowen
West Midlands
B63 3BT

E-mail: FleetEnquiries@theAA.com
Website: www.theAA.com

 

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