Ford has announced that its UK roadside assistance, which comes standard with every new Ford, will be provided by the AA in a three year partnership.

Roadside assistance will now extend to the European mainland. This means customers no longer need to organise extra cover.

Ford offers 12 months roadside assistance with all new cars and 36 months cover with commercial vehicles.

From October 2005 the AA's 3,500-strong patrol force will respond to calls from new Ford vehicle owners. Part of the AA's plan is to develop a team of technicians dedicated to responding to calls from Ford owners.

Assistance in mainland Europe will be provided through the AA's European partner ARC Transistance. Vehicles needing to be returned to the UK can be repatriated from any of 18 countries in Europe.

John Cooper, Ford customer service director, says: "Together with the AA, it makes sense to use our combined strength across Europe to come to the rescue of Ford drivers who are unable to continue their journey, wherever they may be.

"In Britain they can be assured the usual high standard of Ford service from AA patrols. As part of this new partnership, commercial vehicle operators will benefit too from the assistance of truck specialists familiar with their specific issues."