TVS Automobile hives off roadside assistance biz

TVS Automobile Solutions today announced its decision to hive off the roadside assistance business which it entered a decade ago and floated TVS Auto Assist India Ltd, a Joint Venture with UK-based The Automobile Association.
The 51:49 JV would offer break down services to customers. Besides, it will also provide services to OEMs, insurance companies and other corporate customers not only in India but Asia, Middle East and Africa as well, Chennai-based company said in a statement.
TVS Auto Assist would provide break down services to all automobiles, including two wheelers, three wheelers, passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and commercial vehicles.

With vehicle sales expected to increase significantly in India, there is a real opportunity for this joint venture to take pioneering role in B2C market as well.
"We are happy to partner with Automobile Association to further streamline our offerings in India and expand to other emerging markets.", TVS Automobile Solutions Director R Dinesh said.
"Through this association, we can provide similar service experience to multinational automobile brands present in India as well as in other overseas markets", he said.

The Automobile Association has over 40 per cent market share in the United Kingdom and has over 15 million customers in roadside assistance business.

The company offers value added services, including insurance and driving services, besides roadside assistance.
"We are delighted to announce this joint venture with TVS as they have the largest service infrastructure in India,which is a big plus for our B2B customers in India", Automobile Association Executive Chairman Bob Mackenzie said.
TVS Automobile Solutions established the Roadside Assistance business in 2003 and has presence in 1,795 locations with a network of 4,000 authorised service providers across the country.
The company in a year covers over one million customers and attends over one lakh breakdown services.