Volkswagen will supply 158 new Transporter vans to the AA to replace outgoing vehicles on its national patrol fleet. The additional vehicles come on top of The AA’s order last year for around 500 Transporter vans, which were fully converted at The AA’s conversion site in Oxfordshire.
As I’ve commented before, the AA appears to maintain a policy of running two vehicle marques. From what I see on the roads, the firm’s other van of choice is currently the Ford Transit Custom.
Fitted out for heavy use
The AA-spec Transporters will be supplied with twin batteries and a higher spec driver’s seat, among other options. Interstingly, 24 of the 158 Transporters will be fitted with a DSG automated gearbox, allowing for a smoother drive and better fuel economy.
I’d imagine that ordering this relatively small number of DSG automatic vans is by way of a trial for the AA. As the firm’s vans do much more heavy towing than is common for vans of this type, there will probably be considerable interest in the durability and efficiency of this increasingly popular gearbox.
Inside the front section of an AA Patrol van — tools and various spare parts, including common sizes of battery.
The new Transporters will be used by AA Patrols as roadside and recovery vehicles and will be fitted with the firm’s standard extra equipment, which includes specially-equipped with warning beacons, racking and a deployable recovery trolley.
Chris Wiltshire, Fleet Engineer for The AA said:“We couldn’t be happier to continue the fantastic relationship The AA has with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. We have a vehicle that has been developed to suit our needs, and which is converted with specialist racking to accommodate The AA’s tow system, additional equipment and tools.
“The close working partnership provides services to The AA’s wider customer base and supports Volkswagen Group by providing the dedicated Volkswagen breakdown assistance service.”
The rear of the van is taken up with the AA’s fold out towing dolly, a universal spare wheel and other towing-related equipment.
In case the patrols’ own vans breakdown — which one would hope is a rare occurrence — they will be able to access Volkswagen’s network of 72 dedicated Van Centres and 24 Authorised Repairers across the UK.