The agreement will see the AASA take on the role of roadside assistance support provider to Chery for all new models from the start of sales later this month.

“When we first announced our entry into South Africa, we committed ourselves to not only offering some of the most stylish and advanced vehicles on the market, but also unbeatable value,” says Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery South Africa.

“Our partnership with the AA is in line with that promise. It adds a whole host of benefits at no additional cost to our clients as it will be included as a standard part of our Chery Vehicle Warranty on every new model.”

Liu explains that the range of included services stretches far beyond the usual concept of a breakdown service. In the case of the Chery / AA tie-up, the service includes battery tests/replacements, help with tyre changes, fuel and some minor diagnostics. It also includes towing, if ever needed, and overnight storage services for damaged vehicles.

Willem Groenewald, the CEO of the AASA, attended the signing ceremony on behalf of the AA. He says: “We are delighted to partner with Chery as they enter the market and establish their brand name amongst discerning South African vehicle buyers.

Groenewald adds that the partners will investigate adding new services to Chery customers, which build on both companies’ history of technological innovation. These include app-based services and a mobile panic button, which would ensure the owners of 24/7 support and protection in a crisis.

Chery recently unveiled the first of its new Tiggo 4 Pro models to selected media before the official launch later this month. These vehicles have completed rigorous testing in South Africa and have received full homologation for local sale.

“When we launch the first Tiggo 4 Pro models, we will do so with the support of over 30 dealers located across South Africa. With this network of dealers and the national support of the AA, our customers will be assured of the best possible support from the onset,” says Liu.