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Concept recovery vehicle could bridge HGV recruitment gap – AA

  • New concept vehicle can be driven on a standard driving licences
  • Recovery capability of 3250kg
  • ISOFIX child restraints for added passenger safety
  • Up to six passengers seated in comfort

26 April 2024

The AA has again shown its hunger for innovation by unveiling its latest concept recovery vehicle at The Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

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A key attribute of the vehicle is that those with a standard driving licence can drive it. This could ease recruitment challenges by giving those who have yet to gain an HGV licence an early opportunity to join The AA’s Recovery Operations team during this exciting time of fleet transition.

“The AA is synonymous with innovation and this latest concept clearly shows our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint by delivering similar recovery capabilities to our larger fleet but at a reduced cost to the environment.”
Dug Dudley, AA Head of Fleet Engineering

The vehicle, developed by The AA Fleet Engineering and Ford Pro teams, uses a Ford Transit 350 chassis cab capable of seating six passengers and employs a rear pod that houses a heavy-duty Compact Recovery Trailer (CRT) capable of recovering vehicles up to 3250kg. The vehicle's seating also allows for the safe transportation of toddlers by offering ISOFIX child seat restraints.

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The recovery capabilities of this concept are further extended by including a motorcycle carrier in addition to The AA’s innovative FreeWheeling Hub which allows four-wheel-drive vehicles to be recovered using the CRT unit.

Dug Dudley, The AA’s Head of Fleet Engineering said: “The AA is synonymous with innovation and this latest concept clearly shows our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint by delivering similar recovery capabilities to our larger fleet, but at a reduced cost to the environment, whilst still meeting our members needs around comfort and safety. It has the added bonus that with training it can be driven by anyone with a standard driving licence.”

Ed Nightingale, AA Customer Performance Manager said: “We were tasked to find a recovery solution that reduces our environmental impact, but still efficiently delivers safety and comfort. Huge credit to Dug Dudley, George Flinton, and the ever-innovative Ford Pro team for their hard work in producing a concept that ticks all these boxes.

He continued: “We look forward to seeing this vehicle on our roads in the coming weeks as we test out its potential for a place in our evolving fleet mix.”