The AA has partnered with Volvo Trucks to present its Recovery Patrol of the Year with
the keys to a brand-new Volvo FL recovery truck, featuring the cherished ‘AA 3’
registration plate.
Supplied as part of a conquest order for 118 new FL crew cab vehicles, the special Volvo was
presented to winner Dan Tyrell in a ceremony at the truck manufacturer’s Warwick
headquarters.
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!”
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.
They are each powered by Volvo’s fuel-efficient and 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.
Founded in 1905, today the AA operates 220 recovery vehicles, in addition to its
approximately 2,250 breakdown vans, collectively servicing more than 14 million members.