Dubbed Intelematics Europe, the new JV sees the breakdown recovery specialist team up with roadside assistance clubs in the Netherlands (ANWB) and in Austria (OAMTC); and Intelematics, a subsidiary of the Australian auto clubs and a specialist in connected car services and products in Australia.
The AA said the technology would bring about a range of benefits for its members including improved deployment of appropriate assistance and more accurate and faster service. In addition, the tracking of information on driving could allow the provision of cheaper car insurance.
It added that the international joint venture would benefit from shared experience and expertise from its roadside assistance club members as well as significant scale and scope to work with multi-national car manufacturers, many of which are already business partners of the AA in the UK. Already Intelematics has a similar JV with Auto Club Enterprises, said to be the largest AAA affiliate in the US, to provide connected mobility solutions to AAA members in North America.
Intelematics Europe will be located adjacent to the AA’s offices in London enabling a close working relationship in the development of new products.
Bob Mackenzie, executive chairman of the AA, said: “We are excited to launch this platform for developing our connected-car proposition, sharing best practice with an international group of clubs. This is a powerful partnership – it gives us access to existing solutions which are tried, tested and widely adopted; it gives us reach across international manufacturers at a global level; and it gives us the ability both to roll out existing solutions fast and develop ever more sophisticated solutions in time.
“The AA is embracing connected-car technology so that our members will benefit directly through advancements in safety and security, and information to help reduce driving costs. Connectivity will improve both timing and diagnostics of the AA’s roadside assistance services and enable us to increase efficiency. We also value the potential for greater integration with our manufacturer partners and, combined with what we are doing with fleets through Trakm8, connected-car capability will enhance our already strong position across our business partnerships. Better information also provides the potential for wider adoption of telematics for insurance by the AA.”
