RAC enjoys return to the Commercial Vehicle Show

The Commercial Vehicle Show is the biggest event of its kind and was a great opportunity to demonstrate the capability of our latest patrol vans, as well as our connected solutions and advances in fleet telematics.

Visitors to the show will also have seen RAC patrol vehicles on two other stands, as our custom-built Isuzu D-Max patrol van was launched at the show.

In response to the growth of bigger, heavier SUVs, 4x4s and electric vehicles on the UK’s roads, the RAC has been working with Isuzu and Strongs Plastic Products to create the award-winning.

The new vehicle has been adapted to accommodate the standard patrol kit of 500 parts and tools, together with the pioneering All-Wheels-Up recovery system which brings flatbed recovery capability to its breakdown patrol vans.

It also comes equipped with our innovative EV Boost electric vehicle charging system and a new motorbike recovery carrier.

As a result, the RAC Heavy Duty 4x4 Patrol Van which will be the most flexible and powerful breakdown patrol vehicle operating on UK roads.

Powered by its 1.9 litre engine, it has the towing capacity to recover vehicles up to 2.8 tonnes, meaning it’s capable of recovering up to 90% of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. And, as a 4x4, it can cope with the worst weather conditions the UK experiences.

The fleet of 50 RAC Heavy Duty 4x4 Patrol Vans will predominantly be deployed to some of the UK’s busiest towns and cities where there is the highest proportion of big vehicles.

The Euro 6 van also gives the RAC greater flexibility to deal with recoveries in challenging, congested urban environments where it can be a logistical nightmare for flatbed vehicles to operate.

RAC head of technical James Gibson said: “The RAC is upgrading its vehicle fleet to meet the challenges presented by modern vehicles and to better serve our members in their moment of need.

“The RAC Heavy Duty 4x4 Patrol van gives our patrols a significantly enhanced capability to recover some of the biggest and heaviest vehicles we encounter including SUVs, 4x4s, EVs and commercial vans.

“We worked close with Isuzu to customise the D-Max to our requirements. As a result it accommodates everything you would find in a conventional RAC patrol van including the Rapid Deployment System which the All-Wheels-Up recovery system is an extension of, and all the normal parts and tools a patrol requires to repair four out of five vehicles at the roadside.

“Our first-priority is always to deliver a permanent repair at the roadside, however on those occasions when we cannot fix the vehicle then RAC Heavy Duty 4x4 Patrol van will enable our patrols to recover some of the biggest vehicles without the need for a second call-out for a flatbed and the additional time this takes.

“We see it as a game changer which future-proofs our fleet in readiness for a rapid growth in EVs and the ongoing demand for larger SUVs. It also ensures we have the right kit for our business customers.”

William Brown, Managing Director, Isuzu (UK) Ltd said, “This has been of a fantastic commercial partnership. Working with the brilliant team at the RAC has created this revolutionary concept. It has been an extremely exciting project and together, we have been able to deliver an industry-leading, tailored solution. This demonstrates the capability of the 4x4 Isuzu D-Max and strength of our Fleet Services team.”

The bodyshell of the new van is manufactured by Strongs Plastic Products from tough polymer plastic, delivering optimum strength but also an important and significant weight saving.

The vehicle in its distinctive RAC orange livery was displayed on both the Isuzu and Strongs stands at the CV Show, providing visitors with a fantastic opportunity to see it for themselves.