BT Fleet has announced a new multi-million pound agreement with the AA, which will take its partnership into 2020.

Under the new agreement BT Fleet will continue to provide fleet management and maintenance services for the AA’s 3,400 breakdown and recovery vehicles, making the AA BT Fleet’s longest external service, maintenance and repair customer.

BT Fleet currently carries out 40,000 service and repairs for the AA every year across 65 dedicated garages.

As part of the new agreement, the AA will also have access to BT Fleet’s network of external contractors and specialist repair centres, along with 18 additional strategically-located garages and servicing facilities to access outside normal working hours.

The out of hours service was particularly important in meeting the AA’s objective of keeping more vehicles on the road.       

Joe Fielder, sales and marketing director at BT Fleet, said: “We often refer to mission critical fleets and in this case it is particularly true.

“The AA is the UK’s biggest motoring organisation and it is absolutely crucial that its vehicles are serviced and maintained effectively in order to keep them on the road and its 14 million members mobile.

“Since 2003, we have worked closely with the AA team to deliver a best-in-class service which has been mutually beneficial.

“It was the strength and depth of our service that really made us stand out ― including the way we focused on helping the AA remain competitive in the breakdown market.

“We have also provided new options in this agreement, such as out of hours servicing in key locations to minimise the number of the AA vehicles that are off the road.

“The renewal means that we will have worked together for 17 years, which is testament to the long-term support and value we can provide with our tailored fleet management solution.

“It will also mean the AA will continue to provide us with breakdown and recovery services. It is a win-win situation for both parties and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship over the next five years.” 

Sarah Millward, AA road commercial and fleet director, said: “As the UK's most trusted brand* and biggest breakdown provider, we help stranded drivers anytime, anywhere in the country. In order to achieve this, we need to stay on the frontline of our services and ensure we are backing up our vehicle fleet with the most effective partner.

“The collaborative relationship we have enjoyed with BT Fleet has evolved over the years. The addition of the out-of-hours service will ensure we maintain a competitive edge and offer our members the most responsive service.”