Volvo is supplying the AA with 118 new FL recovery trucks

The AA has placed an order for 118 new Volvo FLs.

The crewcab recovery trucks, which are being supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, are all powered by D8K 250hp engines, matched to 6-speed I-Sync transmissions.

With the help and guidance of the AA’s fleet engineer Dug Dudley, the factory fitted four-door, six-seat, crew cabs have been modified by Dutch company Estepe to meet the firm’s precise requirements. Changes include moving the handbrake position to allow easy cross-cab access for the AA’s drivers.

The flatbed recovery bodies are being supplied by both Boniface and Roger Dyson.

Volvo’s director of new vehicle sales, Hannah Burgess, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Volvo Trucks brand back in service with the AA. 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.”

Commenting on the new trucks, which will cover roughly 120,000km per annum for at least the next four years, Simon Ungless, commercial group fleet manager at the AA, said: “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 truck photographed here, which wears the ‘AA 3’ cherished number plate, has been presented to the AA’s Recovery Patrol of the Year, Dan Tyrell. Based at the AA’s depot in Guilford, he saw off the challenge of more than 440 other Recovery Patrols to earn the coveted title. For the next 12 months, in addition to driving this truck, he will travel across the UK as the public face of the AA.

“I’m absolutely blown away by it all,” exclaimed Tyrell. “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!”