The AA has placed an order for 343 Ford Transit Custom vans, raising Ford's share of the 2,100-vehicle AA patrol fleet to more than half.

Ford secured the order from the AA following an exhaustive analysis of wholelife costs.

Sarah Dopson, AA head of fleet, said: "We looked at all the usual factors - acquisition price, depreciation, servicing and maintenance costs, running costs including fuel economy - and the Transit Custom came out top. Deliveries of the new vehicles will be complete by November, in time for our busiest period for call-outs."

Prior to delivery, the Transit Custom vans - a mix of 310 and 330 L1 models - undergo conversion at a vehicle preparation specialist, which includes fitment of the AA's new contract recovery trailer to allow the partial lift and recovery of broken-down vehicles, a dual battery system, specialist racking systems and of course the organisation's distinctive yellow livery.

Ian Watson, direct sales manager at Ford, said: "Ford is already supplying around 3,000 cars a year to the AA Driving School, and we are very pleased that the organisation has recognised the Ford Transit Custom's many attributes, including the important financial ones.

"They look eye-catching in AA livery and will prove a reassuring roadside sight for AA members."