from Lenny Barretto
Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)

Panaji, Nov 16: Ford India, in a press release given here, has announced a new customer support initiative 'Ford Service Roadside Assistance' (Ford Service RSA), a unique after-sales service programme to provide its customers with stress-free vehicle ownership and motoring experience.

Starting this month, all new Ford vehicles sold by an authorized Ford dealer, will be offered free Roadside assistance for a period of one year from the date of sale of the car. As part of the launch, the Ford Service RSA programme will kickstart for Ford customers in Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, the NCR region and Chennai simultaneously.

Speaking on the occasion, Scott McCormack, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford India said, "Customer delight is the cornerstone of Ford Service and we want them to completely enjoy the ownership experience of a Ford car. With the launch of Ford Service Roadside Assistance programme, we will set a new benchmark in after-sales service and customer support in India."

The 24-hour Ford Service RSA will be accessible through a national toll-free number providing on-site assistance service such as mechanic services for minor repairs on-site; transportation of the car to service centre if required; fuel delivery; jumpstart of batteries; assistance to unlock cars; towing assistance and much more. In the event of roadside repair not being possible, RSA will assist in onward travel and urgent message relay to the customers in the hour of need.

Ford India has signed up with an internationally-acclaimed automotive service provider Mondial Assistance to introduce this speedy, professionally-manned service in India, run by global experts, setting a new standard in this region.

"We are very happy to have found a partner who is as enthusiastic and dedicated to customer satisfaction as Ford is. We are confident that with Mondial's global knowledge and experience in roadside assistance and Ford India's local market expertise, we have created an offering that customers will truly appreciate," said P K Umashankar, general manager, Customer Service Operations at Ford India.

Ford Service Roadside Assistance programme comprises a fleet of three types of vehicles including flat bed trucks, air-conditioned customer-support vehicles and emergency response motorcycles. Depending on the type of service request, the requisite vehicle will rush to the site to provide customers with assistance.

The flat bed trucks, being deployed for the first time in India by an automobile manufacturer, allow immobile vehicles to be recovered without the accompanying damages generally experienced during traditional towing. The service provides hospitality experience by offering cold towels and refreshments to comfort customers.