The AA has commissioned and installed a training rig for hybrid vehicles to help the organisation increase the number of vans and cars fixed by technicians at the roadside – including for fleets.

The hybrid training rig is said to be a world first

Located alongside the AA’s new customer experience centre in Oldbury, West Midlands, the rig – said to be a world first – simulates switchable ‘real-world’ hybrid vehicle faults to replicate numerous potential breakdown situations for technicians.

Modelled on a third-generation Toyota Prius, the unit also includes switchable faults on fuel, cooling, exhaust, ignition and CVT transmission, as well as other diagnostic functions.

The new rig has been deployed as take-up of hybrid vehicles in the UK continues to grow.

Latest SMMT figures show petrol electric hybrids remain the most popular choice among alternatively fuelled vehicles – registrations last year hit 81,156 units, up 21.3% on 2017.

Stuart Thomas, director of fleet and SME services at the AA, said: “We’re pleased to be one of the first to invest in the training our technicians need to fix more vehicles by the roadside. This means that our fleets can continue to provide a high level of service, irrespective of the type of vehicle that breaks down, and get our customers going again as quickly as possible.”

The training facility is based alongside the AA’s customer experience centre in Oldbury, West Midlands, which is open to new, existing and potential fleet customers.

Thomas continued: “Fleets need to be sure that we can keep their businesses running smoothly. By supporting the training of our staff, and investing in our customers’ experiences with the AA, we can continue to deliver an enhanced, superior level of service.”