Ford is supplying 343 Ford Transit Custom vans to the AA to join its fleet of patrol vehicles. They will raise Ford’s share of the 2,100-vehicle AA patrol fleet to more than 50 per cent.

Ford secured the order from the AA following an exhaustive analysis of whole-life costs. Sarah Dopson, AA head of fleet, said:

“We looked at all the usual factors – acquisition price, depreciation, servicing and maintenance costs, running costs including fuel economy – and the Transit Custom came out top.

Deliveries of the new vehicles will be complete by November, in time for our busiest period for call-outs.”

Prior to delivery, the Transit Custom vans – a mix of 310 and 330 L1 models – undergo conversion at a vehicle preparation specialist, which includes fitment of the AA’s new contract recovery trailer to allow the partial lift and recovery of broken-down vehicles, a dual battery system, specialist racking systems and of course the organisation’s distinctive yellow livery.

Ian Watson, Ford’s direct sales manager, said:

“Ford is already supplying around 3,000 cars a year to the AA Driving School, and we are very pleased that the organisation has recognised the Ford Transit Custom’s many attributes, including the important financial ones. They look eye-catching in AA livery and will prove a reassuring roadside sight for AA members.”

The purchase is another high-profile endorsement of Ford’s incredibly successful Transit Custom van, which is part of its all-new van range.

Of course, Volkswagen Transporter drivers benefiting from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ roadside assistance service — standard with new VW vans — will still be rescued by an AA Volkswagen Transporter: avoiding the bad publicity VW would incur by allowing its new vans to be rescued by Ford Transits is worth whatever premium VW might be paying for its dedicated, liveried roadside assistance service…