According to the AA, Ford secured the order following an exhaustive analysis of whole-life costs. Commenting on the deal, Sarah Dopson, AA head of fleet, said: ‘We looked at all the usual factors – acquisition price, depreciation, servicing and maintenance costs, running costs including fuel economy – and the Transit Custom came out top. Deliveries of the new vehicles will be complete by November, in time for our busiest period for call-outs.’
Prior to delivery, the Transit Custom vans – a mix of 310 and 330 L1 models – undergo conversion at a vehicle preparation specialist, which includes fitment of the AA’s new contract recovery trailer to allow the partial lift and recovery of broken-down vehicles, a dual battery system, specialist racking systems and of course the organisation’s distinctive yellow livery.
Ian Watson, Ford’s direct sales manager, added: ‘Ford is already supplying around 3,000 cars a year to the AA Driving School, and we are very pleased that the organisation has recognised the Ford Transit Custom’s many attributes, including the important financial ones. They look eye-catching in AA livery and will prove a reassuring roadside sight for AA members.’