Ford India launches third phase of its roadside service in India

Chennai: Ford India today announced the launch of its roadside assistance service (RSA) in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore and Jaipur. The RSA initiative is a distinctive programme pioneered by Ford India to provide its customers a hassle-free driving experience in and around the city.

The 24-hour Ford Service RSA will be accessible through a national toll-free number providing on-site assistance services such as mechanic services for minor repairs on-site; transportation of car to service centre if required; fuel delivery; jumpstart of batteries; assistance to unlock cars; towing assistance and much more.

Launched in November 2007, the first phase of this highly successful customer support initiative was introduced simultaneously in Delhi and NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Pune. In less than five months, the coverage of the service was extended to four more markets - Hyderabad, Kochi, Ludhiana and Chandigarh. The third phase takes the initiative forward to Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Coimbatore, taking the total representation to 13 cities across India.

Ford Service Roadside Assistance programme comprises a fleet of two types of vehicles including flat bed trucks and emergency response motorcycles. Depending on the type of service request, the requisite vehicle will rush to the site to provide assistance, thus delivering fast, accurate and quality service to motorists.

The flat bed trucks, being deployed allow immobile vehicles to be recovered without the accompanying damages generally experienced during traditional towing. The service provides hospitality experience by offering cold towels and refreshments to comfort customers in distress or arranging taxi to stranded customers where onsite repair is not possible.

Nigel E Wark, executive director, marketing, sales and service, Ford India said, "At Ford, we believe in matching our superior products with high quality on-road and after sales support. Now with the launch of RSA in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Coimbatore, Ford owners in these cities have the reassurance that they can call upon this premium service for immediate assistance 24/7."

Commenting on feedback about the service in cities, where the initiative has already been launched, Nigel said, "We have achieved great success with the Ford RSA programme in the first two phases. The feedback from our customers has been very positive. The strength of the service is in its promptness, professionalism and quality. The customers have been very complementary about the support they have received, in particular the concept of the car beings transported on a truck and not towed. With the third phase, we will cover around 60 per cent of Ford car owners in the country."

Ford India has signed up with an internationally acclaimed automotive service provider, Mondial Assistance to introduce this professionally-manned customer support program in India run by global experts, hence setting new standards in India. With a presence in over 27 countries across 5 continents, Mondial Assistance is the leader among automotive service providers. It is through their collaboration with Ford India, that Mondial Assistance first entered the Indian market.