RAC Launches Unique Rescue Capability To Deliver Cost Savings For Fleets

RAC is the first motoring organisation to launch a new rescue capability for fleets with extra-long vehicles.

Fleets with vehicles up to 7.5m in length and 3.5 tons in weight will be offered the service under an annual subscription, meaning the likes of the Volkswagen Crafter and Mercedes Sprinter can now be catered for in the event of a breakdown.

RAC estimates that there are more than 400,000 vehicles that weigh up to 3.5 tons and over 5.5m in length1 meaning the organisation can target a significant sector of the market in addition to its current reach.

Previously, any vehicle over 5.5m was offered a pay-on-use service from RAC Commercial Assistance. Under the revised subscription offer for SME fleets, a business with 12 vehicles over 5.5m in length could now save more than £1,000 a year.

In addition, fleets now have the option to include standard driver induced faults, covered by RAC branded patrols.

Data from RAC indicates that since the beginning of the year, fleet drivers have been involved in approximately 30,000 driver induced faults and a quarter of these were caused by flat batteries. Incorporating driver induced faults into the subscription will mean that costs for fleets can be significantly reduced.

Catastrophic faults such as fuel contaminations and road traffic accidents which need the deployment of a flat bed vehicle will continue to be rescued by RAC Commercial Assistance, but with no additional charge.

Steve Whitmarsh, senior partnership manager at RAC Fleet Services, said: “We have listened to feedback from our customers and have focused on these areas to offer a more convenient and cost-effective service for mixed fleets, widening our appeal to our core fleet market which is six vehicles or more.

“Previously, fleets had two separate call-out numbers, now there's only one making the whole process smoother. Incorporating everything into one package also means that customers will find it a lot easier to keep track of costs.

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Notes to editors

1. Based on figures reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
2. The cost of annual cover for a fleet of 12 vehicles would be £64.65 per vehicle per year. Therefore 12 vehicles would cost £775.80 year. Previously, if each vehicle over 5.5m in the fleet broke down once, the cost to the fleet would be: £1,881 based on a pay-per-use basis
3. RAC's own fleet data (January to August 2009).