The AA has given the title of Recovery Patrol of the Year alongside the keys to a brand-new Volvo FL recovery truck, featuring the cherished ‘AA 3’ registration plate to winner Dan Tyrell. Supplied as part of a conquest order for 118 new FL crew cab vehicles, the order was secured by Ian Sharrock, Key Account Manager at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East and sees the new trucks replacing older assets previously supplied by a rival marque.
Dan is based at the AA’s depot in Guilford and saw off the challenge of more than 440 other Recovery Patrols to earn the coveted title, following an extensive evaluation process which included assessments, driving and technical tests.
For the next 12 months, he will get to travel across the UK as the public face of the AA, appearing at major events including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the EV Rally 2023.
“I’m absolutely blown away by it all,” says Dan. “I love my job, and now I get to do it in a brand-new Volvo carrying a registration plate which is going to attract a lot of attention! I’m looking forward to putting the FL through its paces supporting our members, and to be highlighting what we do at some of the biggest events in the calendar!”
They are each powered by Volvo’s Euro-VI compliant D8K 250 hp engine – producing a peak torque of 950 Nm – which helps to create a smooth and comfortable drive via an automated six-speed I-Sync transmission. The engine is also certified for use with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) made from renewable resources, providing the AA with flexibility in its future fuel options.
Working with the AA’s Fleet Engineer, Dug Dudley, Volvo’s factory fitted four-door, six-seat, crew cabs have been modified by Dutch company Estepe to ensure they met the firm’s precise requirements, with the handbrake repositioned to allow easy cross-cab access for the AA’s drivers. Flatbed recovery bodies are being supplied by a mixture of Boniface and Roger Dyson.
The new truck was handed over to Dan by Volvo’s Director of New Vehicle Sales, Hannah Burgess.
“It’s fantastic to see the Volvo Trucks brand back in service with the AA, and a particular honour to present this special vehicle,” says Burgess. “We know picking a truck which offers the best possible standards of safety, reliability and fuel economy is paramount to the AA, and we’re honoured they judged Volvo to offer the most complete package on the market.”
Simon Ungless, Commercial Group Fleet Manager at the AA, adds: “Volvo has a fantastic reputation in the recovery truck sector, with its constant efforts to produce safer and more fuel-efficient vehicles making it the perfect partner to help drive forward the AA’s social and sustainability goals. We are particularly excited to be exploring Volvo’s sustainability programme with ongoing discussions on how we can deploy reduced and zero emission vehicles in the future.”
The new trucks are being deployed throughout the UK and are expected to remain in service with the company for at least the next four years. They will cover at least 120,000 km annually, with the new deliveries to be spread over the next 12 months.
