The Automobile Association has announced a new role for the organisation, appointing former GM Motoring Services Jonathan Sergel, as its Chief Mobility Officer.

By continuing to develop the AA’s already strong set of core vehicle, driving and mobility related services and extending these into Sustainable Mobility options, this role will oversee the increasing use of these solutions by its Members.

He will be supported by the General Manager Driving School & Government Contracts, Roger Venn, the General Manager of Roadside Solutions, Bashir Khan and Acting General Manager Motoring Services Kyle Lincoln.

“I’m delighted to be taking on this ground-breaking role for the Association, which represents an understandable evolution for the AA. Kiwis already see us as the place for trusted information on all things motoring, and we want to keep building on the relationship that already exists and extend this into mobility.

“Mobility today, and mobility in the space of a few months, a year, or even in five years, will be a completely different environment, and it’s only going to evolve more and more rapidly. My role will be to make sure that our Members, and all New Zealanders are able to keep pace with that change, with all the information that they need at their fingertips,” said Jonathan.

For the AA, it is all about meeting the needs of all Kiwis on whatever stage of the journey they are on to making sustainable mobility solutions.

“As the number of hybrids, EVs and clean car options increases on the roads, we will start to see more used options start to flow through to the market at a more relatable price for families.  As the AA I think it’s vital that we help facilitate the knowledge sharing and access to affordable options for all Kiwis. I want people to feel confident when they make the choice to buy sustainable, that they know what they are getting and that it is right for their situation. For many households, that will mean the journey may see them transitioning from a high emission, to a low emission solution, and then hopefully a no emission vehicle choice.

“We launched the Preferred Dealer Network last year, so our Members can have confidence when they’re buying used cars, and we want to keep working and building on our network so that they can also buy into that greener marketplace in the future, and have clear signals about the environmental impact of the choices that they make,” Jonathan added.

And Jonathan is keen to assure Members, the focus will also still remain on the services provided for those moments when things have gone awry on the road.

“We’re conscious of the fact that while we have the experience that being in the industry for nearly 120 years brings, we need to keep modernising and improving our roadside services and products – we want to keep surprising and delighting our Members, and providing even more little extras that can really turn what starts as a bad day if you’ve broken down by the side of the road, into one where you’re grateful that you’ve had the experience you did. And the same if you are getting a regular service or a Warrant of Fitness, we want it to be a flawless customer experience, where you leave knowing that everything’s been taken care of and you can have that peace of mind,” Jonathan said.

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For more information contact:
Kiri Coughlan
National Manager Corporate Relations
M: 021 530 466  E:KCoughlan@aa.co.nz   W: aa.co.nz/media-enquiries