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The very first sponsor of DFC’s Community section, is also the very first AA Autocentre in the country, based here in Dartford. Here we talk to AA Autocentre Operations Manager Steve Evans about the business and new partnership.
Did you know the AA carries out car maintenance and repairs? Or that the very first AA Autocentre is right on the doorstep of DFC?
Famed for its reliable roadside assistance, the AA has evolved to support motorists and the public in so many other ways, too.
Operations Manager Steve Evans has worked for the famous brand for 23 years, the last two of which he’s spent managing the Autocentre in Greenhithe.
And while the AA has been part of the very fabric of British culture for decades, not everyone has caught up with the company’s dedicated Autocentre offering.
He said: “The AA is well known for getting people back on the road but we are here to help keep people on the road to start with. The AA Autocentre is a fully-fledged repair garage that carries out repairs, MOTs, servicing, maintenance and much more.
“While only members can use our breakdown service, we’re open to everyone – no membership is needed. Just drop by the Autocentre or give us a call and we’ll get your car booked in.
“Many people see the sign and think it’s part of the roadside assistance, but we’re actually your local centre for MOTs, servicing and repairs and based here permanently. We’re part of the Dartford community and with Dartford FC being at the heart of the area, this seemed like a perfect partnership.”
The AA story began in 1905 when a small group of motoring enthusiasts got together to warn drivers about speed traps. Later they called themselves the Automobile Association.
In 1923 they had 650 cycle and motorcycle patrolmen keeping drivers on the road, with membership hitting the million-mark in 1950.
Today, the business boasts the largest fleet of roadside patrol vans in the UK, but also offers a myriad of other services, including driving lessons, car reviews and accommodation, pub and restaurant guides and even pet insurance.
The AA Autocentre is one of the latest ventures and something Steve and his team are excited about growing.
The Greenhithe centre has five technicians on site who carry out repairs and maintenance on all makes and models of vehicles.
And with a number of the technicians already Dartford FC fans, the business is looking forward to a team trip to watch the Darts soon.
Steve added: “We are all local and two are Dartford season ticket holders and they’ve been trying to get us all along to a game. Now we are sponsoring the club, we are planning a team trip soon!”
The AA Autocentre is situated at 23 Quadrant Ct, Dartford, Greenhithe. Find out more at https://www.theaa.com/mot/aa-autocentre and please help us by supporting our amazing sponsors!
