The breakdown assistance market - France

The breakdown and towing assistance market covers all services designed to take charge of an immobilized vehicle - be it a simple breakdown, an accident or an impoundment - and accompany the driver until the vehicle is back on the road . this includes on-site repairs, towing, and the provision of vehicles to help the driver get his or her vehicle back on the road. It includes on-site repair, towing, provision of replacement vehicles, administrative management (customs, impounding) and logistical support for users (repatriation, accommodation, alternative transport). In 2023, this sector handled 12.57 million cases, of which 62% forAutomotive (7.84 M, +4% vs. 2022) and 3% for Travel (+11%). The volume of automotive interventions rose from 6.55 M in 2017 to 7.84 M in 2023 (+20%), with a low point of 6.41 M in 2020 due to confinements. Estimated at €1.57 billion in 2023 (at €200/intervention), sales have been on an upward trajectory since 2017 (+20%), reflecting the sector's resilience and the growing needs associated with an aging fleet (+1.8 year average age between 2011 and 2023). The business fabric remains predominantly made up of very small businesses: 67% of companies employ fewer than 10 people, and only 2% have more than 50 employees. Despite this fragmentation, 64% of convenience stores anticipate an increase in volumes, driven by theexpansion of the fleet (+41% cite this factor) and its ageing (+23%). The main challenges lie in rising operating costs (55%), recruitment (52%) and electric vehicle training (79% say they are ready, 16% would like further training).

To meet these challenges, the sector is focusing on digitizing and standardizing its processes: shared platforms (NOMAD, COMET), pan-European e-Call, mobile applications for geolocation and service management. The aim is to enhance the speed, safety and traceability of operations, while controlling costs and improving service quality.