The Automobile Association (AA) launched an innovative service with independent vehicle dealerships and AA Approved workshops across the country to provide consumers with credible information on pre-owned vehicles they intend purchasing. Through the service, dealerships can offer an AA 125-point inspection of vehicles and thereby provide a comprehensive report on the vehicle to prospective buyers.
Consumers across South Africa will be able to access this service at all dealerships that display the AA Certified Pre-Owned branding.
In early July, Ultimate Auto in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, launched its partnership with AA Certified Pre-Owned. Directors Dirk and Melani Human said when they were first approached by the Association they were honoured to be a part of such a prestigious network and did not hesitate to offer the value-added product to their customers.
Ultimate Auto is what Dirk and Melani call home and where they fulfil their lifelong dream of providing reliable, pre-loved vehicles to their customer.
“In developing this product and service, the AA along with our brand partner AA Warranties, recognised that we can offer support to independent dealerships while providing the motoring public a valuable and credible service that enhances the selling and purchasing experience,” says Willem Groenewald, AA CEO.
Critically, the inspection process does not offer a “pass” or “fail” assessment of a vehicle. Instead, it provides a report which states the “facts” of the vehicle at the time of assessment.
“This is an important distinction because the report is not intended to favour anyone; it’s simply giving a true, unbiased reflection of the vehicle at the time of inspection. This is a powerful tool for both sellers and buyers as it removes any doubts about the vehicle’s condition,” says Willem.
The AA has been engaging with independent dealerships across the country regarding the AA Certified Pre-Owned accreditation. The intention is to have a minimum of 150 dealerships in South Africa offering the service in the next two years.