Garmin Aids AA Fleet Rapid Response

SOUTHAMPTON, England, November 27, 2008: As one of the UK's best loved and most trusted breakdown services, the AA has to be constantly innovating to take care of its 15 million members.

With inner city traffic bringing many roads to a standstill, the AA turned to sat-nav giant Garmin to help reach its customers faster and more efficiently.

The AA has reintroduced motorbikes to its fleet equipped with Garmin's motorcycle sat-nav the zumo 550, after testing in London showed that up to 50% was cut off breakdown waiting times.

The navigational needs of the AA's motorcycle fleet are very specific, as paper maps would be impractical and the riders need to stay in constant contact with their team via the Autocom communications system.

Gary Aitkins, B2B Operations Manager for the AA said: "We needed a specific bike solution that would be user-friendly in all weather."

Garmin's zumo fulfils these needs as it is not only waterproof, rugged, UV and fuel resistant but has been designed for bikers, by bikers. With Bluetooth connectivity, left handed glove-friendly controls, oversized buttons, safety camera information and turn-by-turn directions the zumo is perfect for helping the AA fleet negotiate congested city roads.

Giovanni Di Santo, Garmin's Fleet Solutions Business Development Manager said: "The zumo's practical design is combined with full European mapping to enable the AA Fleet to reach their destination safely in the fastest possible time.

"Garmin's partnership with the AA is a great example of how GPS plays an integral part in all of our lives and can help us when we need it most."

The AA fleet currently has 50 motorcycles within its inner-city fleet which comprises of Suzuki Bergman 650s, Vectrix Electric Scooters, Honda Silver Wings and Honda Deauvilles.

Gary added: "We would not be able to operate in the city centres without these units supporting us. We have saved time through the use of the zumo."

For further information on how Garmin's Fleet Management team can help you find the ideal solution for your business visit GARMIN. To find out why the AA is a leader in UK breakdown services go to AA.

Get up close to an AA fleet scooter sporting its very own zumo 550 on the Garmin Stand Hall one, 1B60 at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show, NEC Birmingham 27th November -7th December 2008.