Nationwide 4×4, formed in 1995, operates in the 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 vehicle sector which has even more stringent legislation and health and safety requirements than the traditional corporate fleet market. Driven by escalating maintenance costs and the demands of insurance companies, the company offers expert training in a range of heavy duty vehicles and machinery used by a variety of different organisations such as governmental, "blue light" and utilities as well as many commercial organisations.

Courses offered include:

• 4×4 professional off road driving

• 4×4 instructional techniques

• 4×4 off road instructor

• 4×4 off-road Health & Safety

In addition, Nationwide 4×4 is a major organiser of off road motor sporting activities within the UK. 

The company, which is a LANTRA-approved and RoSPA-accredited training provider, will continue to trade as a separate legal entity while becoming a trading operation within the AA DriveTech business. Selwyn Kendrick, Nationwide 4×4’s owner will join AA DriveTech and be active in the integration and expansion of the business.

Commenting on the acquisition, AA DriveTech’s managing director, Jim Kirkwood said: 'This deal is all about great strategic fit and a significant expansion of our specialist driver training portfolio. The introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter Act, and recent bad winters, has highlighted for many organisations that they need to have 4×4 vehicles available, and drivers properly trained to operate them safely, to ensure business and reputational continuity. Nationwide 4×4 therefore enables us to expand the breadth of our portfolio and offer an even more comprehensive “one-stop-shop” to our customers.'

Selwyn Kendrick, owner of Nationwide 4×4, commented: 'I’ve had a business relationship with the AA for some time and am truly delighted to be joining the AA family full time. We’re keen to grow the business significantly in the next few years and access to the resources that the AA can provide will help us expand on our leadership position in this developing marketplace.'