The AA has announced the launch of a new connected car venture, which is set to provide its members with services including remote vehicle diagnostics to ensure that should vehicles break down they are back on the road as soon as possible.
This joint venture, named Intelematics Europe, will see the development of connected car software in conjunction with several parties across the continent including roadside assistance clubs in the Netherlands (ANWB) and in Austria (OAMTC), with products serving both consumer and business markets.
This new system will allow automatic signals to be sent from AA members’ vehicles to the recovery service provider – and the emergency services in the event of a crash. Should vehicles fitted with the technology break down, the AA will also be able to diagnose the issue remotely to make sure that the vehicle dispatched to help is equipped with the necessary kit to fix the car.
In the event of a total breakdown, the AA will instead send a tow van and transport for the customer to the scene instead. Helping to locate affected cars quickly, this technology is able to share the location of the vehicle, helping to find it more easily in the event of an emergency and features navigation services.
Additional functions include the ability to monitor users’ driving style in an attempt to reduce fuel costs and potentially insurance bills too. In-car payments for hotels and restaurants are also possible en route.
Intelematics is already running in North America and Australia and is set to be reconfigured for Europe through a simple platform that can be integrated by manufacturers.
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.”
He continued: “We 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.”
