Member Article

‘Powerful partnership’ allows The AA to launch new connected-car joint venture

British motoring association, The AA has today launched Intelematics Europe, a joint venture (JV) to develop connected-car software for services and products to be provided by roadside assistance clubs for their consumer and business markets.

Intelematics Europe benefits from the scale and technical expertise of its owners, the AA; roadside assistance clubs in the Netherlands (ANWB) and in Austria (OAMTC); and Intelematics, a subsidiary of the Australian auto clubs and specialising in connected-car services and products in Australia.

Intelematics has a similar JV with Auto Club Enterprises, the largest AAA affiliate in the US, to provide connected mobility solutions to AAA members in North America.

The AA’s Members and customers will benefit from services that this technology enables, by delivering information via the internet from a small device embedded in the vehicle.

Such information can improve the safety and security of vehicles and their occupants, and reduce driving costs by monitoring them. It will also help the AA both pre-empt and diagnose breakdowns, improve deployment of appropriate assistance and enable more accurate and faster service.

In addition, the tracking of information on driving could allow the provision of cheaper car insurance.

Vehicle manufacturers are embracing connected-car technology and the AA will build on its strong relationships with approximately 70% of the UK’s manufacturers to make the most of the opportunities this technology presents.

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.”

He added: “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.

“This international telematics platform, combined with our extensive relationships with manufacturers and strong relationships with our international partners, strengthens our ability to innovate and take the AA to the next level of digital capability.”