The AA provides roadside assistance to more than 14 million members in the UK, and Ford has supported it for around 50 years. Ford is now working closely with The AA to integrate digital solutions that help it provide an improved experience for members, employees and the business as a whole.
With a fleet of around 2,700 vehicles to get its customers back on the road, keeping operating costs low is essential. A 2023 trial of a Ford Transit Custom van fitted with Ford’s Upfit Integration System (UIS) has proven successful enough that The AA is adding 700 of the vans to its fleet.
The UIS system seamlessly integrates control of specialist tools and equipment into the van’s infotainment centre, enabling patrols to activate everything from LED hazard beacons to breakdown diagnostics, jump-start connection points and towing equipment, all from the 13-inch touchscreen.
Using UIS means that there is no longer a need to combine equipment from 11 different companies, reducing complexity and conversion costs and retaining the full Ford warranty.
Removing the extra screens, switches and mounting brackets required for individually sourced control units also makes the cabin space neater and more pleasant.
The Transit Custom trial vehicle also featured Ford’s Sync integration module, which makes it possible to connect a third-party touchscreen display located in the load area. Replacing the costly Tougbooks used previously, the screen allows quick access to parts information and other AA systems.
With data sharing, Ford also benefits by seeing how patrols use the equipment, aiding future development of the UIS and other systems.
“Having a system that allows our patrols to operate crucial systems from one interface is ideal for us,” commented Tony Rich, PR manager at The AA. “It also needs to be intuitive and require minimal touch, because it’s essential that our patrols are not distracted while they’re driving. The Upfit Integration System has allowed us to tick all those boxes.”
“In the past, customers with specialist conversions could end up with lots of extra switches and wiring,” added Ryan Wells, special vehicles, Ford Pro. “The Ford Pro Upfit Integration System integrates everything into Transit Custom’s 13‑inch display, so now drivers can control the full vehicle upfit using just the touchscreen.”
Following the successful trial, The AA
has ordered more than 700 Transit Customs equipped with Ford’s digital solutions, including 15 electric E-Transit Custom models and 15 Transit Custom Plug-in Hybrid vans.
