Smart is coming to the rescue of stranded motorists, as part of a new service being offered by the AA.

The AA is so confident in the ability of its nationwide patrol force to repair broken down vehicles that it is now making a breakdown promise to its personal members – “to fix your car by the road or get you another".

The guarantee means that in the event of a quick repair at the roadside not being possible, AA personal members could be offered one of 180 specially AA-branded Smart fortwo models to replace their own car.

Kerry Richardson, director of AA Road Services, says: "On those occasions where we can’t fix their faulty cars, we are determined to keep our members on the move.” All AA personal members will be offered this flexible 24-hour service if their car cannot be fixed, allowing them to either collect a courtesy car following a breakdown, or within 72 hours.