Global car breakdown service launches operations in India

"Initially, the service will be available automatically to the 150,000 life members of the Western Indian Automobile Association (WIAA) in Mumbai and then we plan to introduce more such services in India," Europ Assistance (India) managing director Anil Vinayak said.

Europ Assistance, part of the Fortune 500 Generali Group, will provide the service through the WIAA which would collect the fees from its life members.

"Annual production of passenger vehicles in India has gone up by over a million in the past five years, but the servicing and assistance infrastructure lag behind. With factors like poor road conditions and weather regularly leading to car breakdowns, professional automotive assistance promises a huge potential in India," Vinayak explained.

A company spokesman said that this would effectively mean getting qualified, professional help to tackle any emergency anywhere in the country, round-the-clock, through a dedicated number.

"This means that you do not entrust your vehicle to unprofessional or semi-qualified roadside garage operators who may charge nominally, but siphon off some spare parts," the spokesman said.
The services offered would include minor spot repairs, towing for major breakdown or accidents, calling medical help, emergency fuel delivery and related issues.