Ford has renewed its roadside assistance deal with the AA in a pan-European deal that will bring enhanced collaboration on electric and connected car technology.

The new contract extends the firms’ 13-year relationship by a further three years, underpinned by enhanced collaboration in electric and connected car technology

The new contract extends the firms’ existing 13-year relationship by a further three years. 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 including roadside, home start, national recovery and onward travel.

Ford drivers will also have the same entitlements across Europe through the AA’s European Breakdown service which operates through a multi-lingual call centre at Lyon in conjunction with ARC Europe Group. Similarly, Ford drivers visiting the UK from mainland Europe who need assistance will have access to AA services.

The latest agreement will also pave the way for the AA and Ford to enhance technology to improve car reliability and driver connectivity. The two firms are already exploring collaboration with particular focus on electric vehicles and connected car capabilities.

The AA will also continue to use the Ford Transit as part of its roadside assistance fleet.

Simon Breakwell, AA chief executive, commented: “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.”