Device To Prevent One Million Breakdowns A Year

Wednesday, August 9, 2017 - 10:50
Comments off

aa logo

One million AA members could be prevented from breaking down each year, thanks to a new connected car device – Car Genie – launched nationwide on TV.

The small Car Genie device, which can easily be self-fitted into the car’s diagnostic socket (usually below the steering wheel), can also grant drivers their top three wishes, identified in an AA-Populus driver poll* of more than 17,000:

  1. I will never lose my car (95%)
  2. I won’t break down – which will save me money (90%)
  3. I can get immediate help and advice if I’m in an accident (80%)

Car Genie is launched today, with a brand new TV advert that highlights the benefits of a device which could prevent a million breakdowns a year.

I will never lose my car

The system, available only to Members of the AA, provides information on the vehicle’s whereabouts so that they never lose their car. And it visualises driving style such as braking, cornering and acceleration to help drivers improve their fuel economy and save money.

I won’t break down

Car Genie also monitors vehicle health such as battery condition, electrics, ignition, fuel systems and more. A push notification alerts the user to potential problems.

The AA then contacts the Member with advice or to arrange an appointment to fix the problem, helping drivers to avoid the hassle, stress and potential hazards of a breakdown.

I can get help in an accident

In the case of a collision, the technology detects the impact and triggers a call from the AA to offer help.

Alan Ferguson, head of AA connected car technology, said: “Around a third of breakdowns we go to could have been stopped if the problem was spotted earlier – equating to a million breakdowns every year.

“Anything can happen and not everyone can know the warning signs, so we’ve developed Car Genie to give our members the assurance that the AA is with them wherever they go.

“This clever device helps Members to proactively avoid a breakdown by alerting them to problems which would otherwise show up too late. It can also help avoid possibly costly repairs and the hassle of being without a car.”

The technology can help protect drivers from the biggest causes of concern in a breakdown – the high cost of repairs** – which 87% said is their greatest worry.  By diagnosing problems early, they can be corrected before potentially major garage bills are incurred.

The small self-install device plugs into the car’s on-board diagnostics (OBDII) socket and presents real-time information via a smartphone app, to help drivers understand what is going on under the bonnet.

The most common problems identified by the system relate to:

  1. Battery
  2. Ignition Coil
  3. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve
  4. Mass Airflow Sensors
  5. Engine misfire

Ferguson added: “Preventing an avoidable breakdown and the hassle that comes with it enhances customer experience for our Members and will revolutionise the way breakdowns are managed. Monitoring the health of our members’ cars and arming them with the information they need to understand and address the problem, not only saves them time and money but helps make sure they keep on rolling.”

The new advert, featuring the incredibly talented singing baby Britton, is the brand’s next step in its digital transformation journey, showcasing the benefits of the connected car technology for AA members.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “We know that the things people love most about driving are the moments that happen inside the car – the comedy, the singing, the games, the deep-and-meaningful conversations.

“We’ve created Car Genie to help look after the car, so our Members can focus on enjoying those precious moments. Car Genie ensures they’ll never miss a beat.”

Comments are closed.