The AA’s top recovery patrol bags ‘AA 3’ reg Volvo FL

The AA has partnered with Volvo Trucks to present its Recovery Patrol of the Year with the keys to a brand-new FL recovery truck featuring ‘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 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 placed 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 Euro 6 D8K 250hp engine producing a peak torque of 950 Nm, which helps create a smooth and comfortable drive via an automated six-speed I-Sync transmission.

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 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 2250 breakdown vans, collectively servicing more than 14 million members.