Having initially started working together in January 2011, Hitachi Capital currently manages a fleet of around 1,600 LCVs and 50 HGVs for the RAC, comprising VW Transporters, VW Caddies, Ford Transits and DAF Trucks.
The extension comes following the successful implementation of 773 new mission-critical vehicles last year as well as the ongoing delivery of cost savings totalling £1.7m through a systematic review of all elements of vehicle and supply chain costs.
Hitachi Capital partnered with Bri-Stor to introduce the new vehicles to RAC’s mission-critical fleet. A mix of VW Transporters, Ford Transits and Mercedes Vitos used for patrol vehicles as well as Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter tyre repair vehicles were introduced.
Essentially a “garage on wheels”, the new patrol vehicles required a complex build before being added to RAC’s fleet. Hitachi Capital worked closely with Bri-Stor and RAC to outfit the vehicles with a complete workstation, winches, trailers, light bars and bespoke telecommunications equipment before delivery could take place. RAC said that Hitachi Capital's efficiency during this process was a key reason for its contract renewal.
David Aldridge, director of business services at the RAC, said: ‘We have enjoyed a great partnership with Hitachi Capital and are looking forward to continuing our working relationship with them. Introducing such a large volume of new vehicles to our fleet presented specific challenges, but with Hitachi Capital’s help we were able to manage it extremely effectively.’
