Ford has announced a new vehicle contract with the Royal National Lifeboat Institute to supply 450 models over the next three years.
This year will see 210 vehicles distributed around the RNLI network, with a further 120 added in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
The 2019 fleet will comprise of 10 Fiestas, 10 EcoSports, 80 Focus models, 10 Kugas, 80 Transit vans – including Connect, Custom and Plug-In Hybrid versions – and 20 Ranger pick-ups.
To help patrol the beaches, the Rangers will be used by the charity’s lifeguards – utilising four-wheel drive to get across the sands.
Ford came out on top after the RNLI tested vehicles from eight manufacturers, with the RNLI citing the brand’s vehicles on- and off-road capabilities.
Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “Ford as UK vehicle market leader partnering one of this country’s national treasures is a real coup for us. The RNLI does an outstanding job keeping us safe around the coast, which we’re excited to be supporting.
“The Ford Ranger pick-up is a vehicle we are immensely proud of and we are thrilled that the RNLI also believes it is best suited to its tough demands.”
RNLI senior procurement manager, Nick Saunders, said: “We’re delighted that Ford is able to supply vehicles so well-suited to carrying out our life-saving work. The RNLI is excited to be working with such an iconic brand in a relationship that goes beyond supplier status.”
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To see how suitable it can be, the RNLI will be testing a Transit Custom PHEV around Poole and Dorset, which could significantly reduce the charity’s environmental footprint.
The RNLI provides 24-hour search and rescue services around the British coastline, with 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland. In its 195-year history, the charity has saved over 142,400 lives.
