Surprising Roadside Assistance Trends
Despite the rapid developments in technology and increasing reliability of cars the need for roadside assistance is a growing trend in the US and it’s likely Australian statistics are the same.
Certainly at Digicall we know from our own data that the need for roadside help is not shrinking.
Key drivers and trends we are seeing that are driving roadside assistance demand is as follows:
New cars drive demand over old
The AAA (Automobile Association of America) reported over 2015/16 32 million US drivers needed roadside assistance. Surprisingly car owners of vehicles five years old or less called for help more often. The increasing amount of technology in cars and new design trends are driving the call rate.
Some of the more common issues are sleeker low profile tyres that are more susceptible to damage. Keyless electronic ignitions that place a higher load on batteries and drivers still run out of fuel despite warning systems. Stop-start ignition systems are great for the environment, but increase demand on the electrical system.
Seasons affect demand
Summer is peak time for Roadside Assistance as motorists take off on road trips during the summer holiday season. Common issues in Australia are overheating cars, lockouts and tyre changes as people choose to call on their roadside service rather than changing a tyre themselves on hot days.
Roadside as a differentiator and service retention tool
Post sales value adds are increasingly becoming a key sales tool for Car Manufacturers with Roadside Assistance in particular a key differentiator. Fiat Chrysler recently announced lifetime roadside assistance as part of all new MY17 Jeep models sold in Australia as long as vehicles are serviced within the Jeep network.
