The Global Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Size accounted for USD 25.9 Billion in 2023 and is estimated to achieve a market size of USD 40.1 Billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2032.
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market (By Service: Towing, Fuel Delivery, Jump Start/Pull Start, Lockout/ Replacement Key Services, Battery Assistance, Trip Routing/ Navigational Assistance, Winch, Tire Replacement, Other Mechanic Services; By Provider: Motor Insurance, Independent Warranty, Auto Manufacturer, Automotive Clubs; By Vehicle: Commercial Vehicle, Passenger Vehicle, and By Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and MEA)
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Highlights
- The global vehicle roadside assistance market is forecasted to reach USD 40.1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2032
- In 2023, the Europe vehicle roadside assistance market was valued at approximately USD 9.6 billion
- The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 6% between 2024 and 2032
- Towing services accounted for 33% of the market share in 2023
- The passenger vehicle segment held 70% of the market share in 2023
- Growing demand for specialized services like EV charging assistance due to rising electric vehicle adoption is the vehicle roadside assistance market trend that fuels the industry demand
Vehicle roadside assistance may aid with a range of situations, including fuel shortages and technical failures. For example, if a driver has a flat tire, a technician is dispatched to the scene to replace it using the vehicle's spare tire. These services are available on all national highways, state highways, and motorable streets in metropolitan areas. Roadside support also includes battery jumpstarts, lockout assistance, and emergency fuel deliveries. Providers often use mobile apps, phone services, or integrated car telematics. This assures prompt and effective assistance, lowering driver stress and minimizing delays.
Global Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Dynamics
Market Drivers
- Increasing vehicle ownership and rising road traffic globally
- Growing reliance on technology-driven services like mobile apps for quicker assistance
- Inclusion of roadside assistance in insurance packages and auto warranties
Market Restraints
- High operational costs for service providers due to expansive geographic coverage
- Seasonal demand fluctuations, with peaks during adverse weather conditions
- Limited infrastructure in remote or rural areas affecting response times
Market Opportunities
- Expansion into electric vehicle (EV) roadside services, such as EV charging assistance
- Growing demand for pay-as-you-go models, offering flexibility to users
- Integration with autonomous vehicle support systems for future growth
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Report Coverage
Market |
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market
|
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Size 2022 |
USD 25.9 Billion
|
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Forecast 2032 |
USD 40.1 Billion |
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market CAGR During 2023 - 2032 |
5.1% |
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Analysis Period |
2020 - 2032 |
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Base Year
|
2022 |
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Forecast Data |
2023 - 2032 |
Segments Covered |
By Service, By Provider, By Vehicle, And By Geography
|
Regional Scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa |
Key Companies Profiled |
Agero, Inc., American Automobile Association, Ford Motor Company, SOS International A/S, Chevrolet, Prime Assistance Inc., Best Roadside Service, Allstate Insurance Company, Allianz Partners, Access Roadside Assistance, National General Motor Club, GEICO, ARC Europe, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Viking Assistance Group AS, Nissan Motor Corporation.
|
Report Coverage
|
Market Trends, Drivers, Restraints, Competitive Analysis, Player Profiling, Covid-19 Analysis, Regulation Analysis |
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Insights
The rising number of car-related difficulties leads to a significant demand for the vehicle roadside assistance sector. The growing number of vehicle issues, such as tire blowouts, worn tires, faulty/wear brake lines, and so on, drives up demand for roadside help. As the incidence of car breakdowns increases, there is a greater demand for vehicle roadside help.
According to a survey provided by the United States Department of Transportation, car breakdowns are a common occurrence on highways, accounting for more than 80% of all accidents. The aforementioned reasons contribute positively to the overall growth of the global automobile roadside assistance market.
The integration of self-driving auto support systems represents a significant growth opportunity for the vehicle roadside assistance business. As self-driving cars become more popular, the demand for real-time monitoring and assistance will rise, allowing service providers to offer preventive support such as remote diagnostics and automated troubleshooting. This modification will not only improve safety, but will also streamline the roadside assistance system, resulting in shorter response times and more customer satisfaction. Furthermore, using future technologies like AI and IoT would allow for more efficient resource allocation, boosting growth in this sector.
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Segmentation
The worldwide market for vehicle roadside assistance is split based on service, provider, vehicle, and geography.
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Services
- Towing
- Fuel Delivery
- Jump Start/Pull Start
- Lockout/ Replacement Key Services
- Battery Assistance
- Trip Routing/ Navigational Assistance
- Winch
- Tire Replacement
- Other Mechanic Services
According to the vehicle roadside assistance industry analysis, the towing category is predicted to account for approximately 33% of the market by 2032. Towing is included in the basic roadside assistance package, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the global market. Towing has acquired major attention in the global market as a result of numerous occurrences of flat tires, tire explosions, tire punctures, and so on, all of which contribute to the expansion of the global vehicle roadside assistance industry.
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Providers
- Motor Insurance
- Independent Warranty
- Auto Manufacturer
- Commercial Vehicle Clubs
According to the provider, the motor insurance category will account for a significant percentage of the worldwide vehicle roadside assistance market growth. All new automobiles sold in the United States come with at least two auto warranties, and many also include roadside assistance coverage. This is one of the primary elements contributing to segmental expansion, which in turn leads to positive growth in the global vehicle roadside assistance market overall.
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Vehicle Types
- Commercial Vehicle
- Light Commercial Vehicle
- Heavy Commercial Vehicle
- Passenger Vehicle
According to the vehicle roadside assistance market forecast, the passenger vehicle sector is expected to account for over 70% of the market in 2032. For instance, according to India Brand Equity Foundation, in April 2024, the total output of passenger vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and quadricycles was 23,58,041. Rising transportation activity and fast industrialization have resulted in tremendous expansion in passenger automobiles over the years.
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Regional Outlook
North America
Europe
- U.K.
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- India
- Japan
- China
- Australia
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of Latin America
The Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- GCC Countries
- Rest of the Middle East & Africa (ME&A)
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Regional Analysis
For several reasons, Europe maintains its dominance, while Asia Pacific is expected to have the fastest increasing CAGR in coming years. Collaboration among key producers boosts Europe’s market growth. For instance, in June 2023, Stellantis inked a five-year agreement with the RAC to provide roadside assistance to all Stellantis users in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. When the user presses the emergency SOS or breakdown button in a Stellantis vehicle, they will receive all essential support.
Europe will continue to dominate the vehicle roadside assistance industry till the end of the forecast period since motorways in France and other European countries are privately controlled. Furthermore, reimbursement payments for vehicle towing are available, making it a profitable area for total industry growth.
In contrast, Asia-Pacific is predicted to have the fastest-growing CAGR in the vehicle roadside assistance market over the next few years. For instance, September 2022, FixiGo, an automobile repair platform, collaborates with Roadzen, an insurance business, to launch 24 hour roadside assistance services in India. This partnership will provide Fixigo with access to Roadzen's network of workshops, allowing it to expand service coverage throughout all Indian states and enter the roadside assistance market. This is due to increased demand for vehicles as per capita expenditure rises, which is one of the primary drivers of regional growth.
Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Players
Some of the top vehicle roadside assistance companies offered in our report include Agero, Inc., American Automobile Association, Ford Motor Company, SOS International A/S, Chevrolet, Prime Assistance Inc., Best Roadside Service, Allstate Insurance Company, Allianz Partners, Access Roadside Assistance, National General Motor Club, GEICO, ARC Europe, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Viking Assistance Group AS, and Nissan Motor Corporation.
CHAPTER 1. Industry Overview of Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market
1.1. Definition and Scope
1.1.1. Definition of Vehicle Roadside Assistance
1.1.2. Market Segmentation
1.1.3. Years Considered for the Study
1.1.4. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
1.1.4.1. Market Assumptions and Market Forecast
1.1.4.2. Acronyms Used in Global Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market
1.2. Summary
1.2.1. Executive Summary
1.2.2. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Service
1.2.3. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Provider
1.2.4. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Vehicle
1.2.5. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Region
CHAPTER 2. Research Approach
2.1. Methodology
2.1.1. Research Programs
2.1.2. Market Size Estimation
2.1.3. Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation
2.2. Data Source
2.2.1. Secondary Sources
2.2.2. Primary Sources
CHAPTER 3. Market Dynamics And Competition Analysis
3.1. Market Drivers
3.1.1. Driver 1
3.1.2. Driver 2
3.1.3. Driver 3
3.2. Restraints and Challenges
3.2.1. Restraint 1
3.2.2. Restraint 2
3.2.3. Restraint 3
3.3. Growth Opportunities
3.3.1. Opportunity 1
3.3.2. Opportunity 2
3.3.3. Opportunity 3
3.4. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
3.4.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
3.4.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
3.4.3. Threat of Substitute
3.4.4. Threat of New Entrants
3.4.5. Degree of Competition
3.5. Market Concentration Ratio and Market Maturity Analysis of Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market
3.5.1. Go To Market Strategy
3.5.1.1. Introduction
3.5.1.2. Growth
3.5.1.3. Maturity
3.5.1.4. Saturation
3.5.1.5. Possible Development
3.6. Technological Roadmap for Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market
3.7. Value Chain Analysis
3.7.1. List of Key Manufacturers
3.7.2. List of Customers
3.7.3. Level of Integration
3.8. Cost Structure Analysis
3.8.1. Price Trend of Key Raw Materials
3.8.2. Raw Material Suppliers
3.8.3. Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure
3.8.3.1. Raw Material
3.8.3.2. Labor Cost
3.8.3.3. Manufacturing Expense
3.9. Regulatory Compliance
3.10. Competitive Landscape, 2023
3.10.1. Player Positioning Analysis
3.10.2. Key Strategies Adopted By Leading Players
CHAPTER 4. Manufacturing Plant Analysis
4.1. Manufacturing Plant Location and Establish Date of Major Manufacturers in 2023
4.2. R&D Status of Major Manufacturers in 2023
CHAPTER 5. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Service
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue By Service
5.2.1. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast, By Service, 2020-2032
5.2.2. Towing
5.2.2.1. Towing Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
5.2.3. Fuel Delivery
5.2.3.1. Fuel Delivery Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
5.2.4. Jump Start/Pull Start
5.2.4.1. Jump Start/Pull Start Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
5.2.5. Lockout/ Replacement Key Services
5.2.5.1. Lockout/ Replacement Key Services Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
5.2.6. Battery Assistance
5.2.6.1. Battery Assistance Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
5.2.7. Trip Routing/ Navigational Assistance
5.2.7.1. Trip Routing/ Navigational Assistance Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
5.2.8. Winch
5.2.8.1. Winch Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
5.2.9. Tire Replacement
5.2.9.1. Tire Replacement Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
5.2.10. Other Mechanic Services
5.2.10.1. Other Mechanic Services Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
CHAPTER 6. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Provider
6.1. Introduction
6.2. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue By Provider
6.2.1. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast, By Provider, 2020-2032
6.2.2. Motor Insurance
6.2.2.1. Motor Insurance Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
6.2.3. Independent Warranty
6.2.3.1. Independent Warranty Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
6.2.4. Auto Manufacturer
6.2.4.1. Auto Manufacturer Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
6.2.5. Automotive Clubs
6.2.5.1. Automotive Clubs Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
CHAPTER 7. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Vehicle
7.1. Introduction
7.2. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue By Vehicle
7.2.1. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast, By Vehicle, 2020-2032
7.2.2. Commercial Vehicle
7.2.2.1. Commercial Vehicle Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
7.2.2.2. Light Commercial Vehicle
7.2.2.2.1. Light Commercial Vehicle Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
7.2.2.3. Heavy Commercial Vehicle
7.2.2.3.1. Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
7.2.3. Passenger Vehicle
7.2.3.1. Passenger Vehicle Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth Rate (%), 2020-2032
CHAPTER 8. North America Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Country
8.1. North America Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Overview
8.2. U.S.
8.2.1. U.S. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
8.2.2. U.S. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
8.2.3. U.S. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
8.3. Canada
8.3.1. Canada Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
8.3.2. Canada Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
8.3.3. Canada Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
8.4. North America PEST Analysis
CHAPTER 9. Europe Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Country
9.1. Europe Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Overview
9.2. U.K.
9.2.1. U.K. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
9.2.2. U.K. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
9.2.3. U.K. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
9.3. Germany
9.3.1. Germany Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
9.3.2. Germany Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
9.3.3. Germany Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
9.4. France
9.4.1. France Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
9.4.2. France Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
9.4.3. France Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
9.5. Spain
9.5.1. Spain Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
9.5.2. Spain Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
9.5.3. Spain Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
9.6. Rest of Europe
9.6.1. Rest of Europe Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
9.6.2. Rest of Europe Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
9.6.3. Rest of Europe Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
9.7. Europe PEST Analysis
CHAPTER 10. Asia Pacific Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Country
10.1. Asia Pacific Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Overview
10.2. China
10.2.1. China Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
10.2.2. China Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
10.2.3. China Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
10.3. Japan
10.3.1. Japan Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
10.3.2. Japan Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
10.3.3. Japan Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
10.4. India
10.4.1. India Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
10.4.2. India Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
10.4.3. India Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
10.5. Australia
10.5.1. Australia Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
10.5.2. Australia Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
10.5.3. Australia Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
10.6. South Korea
10.6.1. South Korea Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
10.6.2. South Korea Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
10.6.3. South Korea Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
10.7. Rest of Asia-Pacific
10.7.1. Rest of Asia-Pacific Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
10.7.2. Rest of Asia-Pacific Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
10.7.3. Rest of Asia-Pacific Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
10.8. Asia Pacific PEST Analysis
CHAPTER 11. Latin America Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Country
11.1. Latin America Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Overview
11.2. Brazil
11.2.1. Brazil Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
11.2.2. Brazil Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
11.2.3. Brazil Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
11.3. Mexico
11.3.1. Mexico Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
11.3.2. Mexico Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
11.3.3. Mexico Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
11.4. Rest of Latin America
11.4.1. Rest of Latin America Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
11.4.2. Rest of Latin America Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
11.4.3. Rest of Latin America Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
11.5. Latin America PEST Analysis
CHAPTER 12. Middle East & Africa Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market By Country
12.1. Middle East & Africa Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Overview
12.2. GCC
12.2.1. GCC Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
12.2.2. GCC Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
12.2.3. GCC Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
12.3. South Africa
12.3.1. South Africa Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
12.3.2. South Africa Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
12.3.3. South Africa Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
12.4. Rest of Middle East & Africa
12.4.1. Rest of Middle East & Africa Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Service, 2020-2032
12.4.2. Rest of Middle East & Africa Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Provider, 2020-2032
12.4.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa Vehicle Roadside Assistance Revenue (USD Billion) and Forecast By Vehicle, 2020-2032
12.5. Middle East & Africa PEST Analysis
CHAPTER 13. Player Analysis Of Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market
13.1. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Company Share Analysis
13.2. Competition Matrix
13.2.1. Competitive Benchmarking of key players by price, presence, market share, and R&D investment
13.2.2. New Product Launches and New Product Enhancements
13.2.3. Mergers And Acquisition In Global Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market
13.2.4. Partnership, Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances/ Sales Agreements
CHAPTER 14. Company Profile
14.1. AGERO, INC
14.1.1. Company Snapshot
14.1.2. Business Overview
14.1.3. Financial Overview
14.1.3.1. Revenue (USD Billion), 2023
14.1.3.2. AGERO, INC, 2023 Vehicle Roadside Assistance Business Regional Distribution
14.1.4. Product /Service and Specification
14.1.5. Recent Developments & Business Strategy
14.2. American Automobile Association
14.3. Ford Motor Company
14.4. SOS International A/S
14.5. Chevrolet
14.6. Prime Assistance Inc.
14.7. Best Roadside Service
14.8. Allstate Insurance Company
14.9. Allianz Partners
14.10. Access Roadside Assistance
14.11. National General Motor Club
14.12. GEICO
14.13. ARC Europe
14.14. Liberty Mutual Insurance
14.15. Viking Assistance Group AS
14.16. Nissan Motor Corporation