Hino Trucks supporting RAA’s Roadside Assistance across South Australia

The new fleet of Hino Standard Cabs help to enhance safety, service quality and response times, all of which are vital to RAA’s mission to keep South Australian motorists moving now and into the future.

For more than 120 years, the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) has been supporting South Australian motorists. Founded in Adelaide in 1903 during the early days of motoring, the organisation has evolved together with road users, technology and vehicles. 

With more than 830,000 members across South Australia, RAA remains one of the state’s largest and most trusted service organisations. Roadside assistance continues to be one of their most valued member benefits, delivered 24/7 by highly trained patrols and supported by a growing fleet of purpose-built towing vehicles.

In the past, the majority of RAA towing services were completed by contractors and in 2024, RAA made the decision to establish its own metropolitan tow truck fleet, giving them greater control over service quality, safety and response times.

This decision saw eight Hino tow trucks introduced, with a goal of covering around 40 per cent of metropolitan Adelaide’s towing requirements using RAA owned vehicles.

“RAA delivers breakdown services around the clock and in the past 12 months we’ve completed more than 40,000 tows for our members,” said Dorothy Nycz, RAA General Manager Automotive Services and Strategic Projects.

“The addition of our Hino tow trucks has already strengthened the service we’re able to provide,” Dorothy added. 

RAA’s fleet includes a mix of Hino FE1426 and FD1124 models, selected to suit metropolitan towing applications and configured locally to RAA’s exact requirements.

The FE1426 six-cylinder models feature Allison automatic transmissions, air-bag rear suspension and Ahrns Handling Equipment tilt slide trays measuring up to 7.5 metres, with payload capability of up to four tonnes. 

The FD1124 four-cylinder models, also equipped with Allison automatics, use a mechanical leaf spring rear suspension and carry just over 3.5 tonnes on a 6.5 metre tray, built to handle more than 95 per cent of RAA’s expected towing tasks in metropolitan Adelaide.

The use of the modern slide tilt tray design allows for faster, safer loading and unloading, while reducing the risk of vehicle damage, which is an important factor when handling members’ vehicles.

RAA’s Hino tow trucks are finished in highly visible RAA colours, enhanced by flashing strobe lights, retro reflective tape and intelligent ‘e-Flare’ systems that synchronise to create a safe worksite in all conditions.

Inside, drivers benefit from excellent ergonomics, comfort and storage, including space for a 12-volt refrigerator, ensuring cold water is always available for members waiting roadside in warmer weather.

A comprehensive six camera system provides a live 360 degree view around each vehicle, recording footage for safety reviews and offering added reassurance to members that their vehicles are handled with care.

“These vehicles ensure our drivers can deliver a safe and professional experience for our members. Our staff have been particularly impressed with the comfort, visibility and safety features built into the Hino trucks,” explained Dorothy.

Safety was a also key factor in RAA’s vehicle selection process. All RAA Hino tow trucks are equipped with the Hino SmartSafe safety suite, including, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), pre-collision system and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, vehicle stability control and traction control, anti-lock braking system and driver SRS airbag. 

With South Australia introducing reduced speed limits when passing breakdown scenes, these advanced safety systems help protect RAA drivers, members and other road users alike.

The decision to select Hino Trucks and CMI Hino Adelaide was supported by RAA’s long standing relationship with Toyota, with more than 100 Toyota HiAce vans already in use across its roadside patrol fleet. Just as important was the local support provided by the CMI Hino Adelaide team.

“As South Australia’s number one brand, serving our members for more than 120 years, partnering with CMI Hino Adelaide made perfect sense. They’ve been supporting South Australian businesses for around 90 years and their ability to meet our operational, configuration and presentation requirements was a strong part of our decision,” said Dorothy.

Looking forward, RAA continues to evolve with changing mobility needs, from electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure to mobility scooters and alternative transport solutions. With Hino trucks at the core of its towing operations, RAA is well positioned to support South Australian motorists today and into the future.

For CMI Hino Adelaide, the partnership highlights how Hino trucks deliver real world reliability, safety and flexibility for essential service fleets, keeping South Australians moving when it matters most.

“We have a really strong partnership with the RAA and are extremely proud to work with another iconic South Australian business to ensure the safety and comfort of their drivers. We also love seeing these iconic vehicles out on the roads!” explained Dani Brown, CMI Hino Adelaide Sales Manager.

Thank you again to Dorothy and the RAA team for choosing to partner with CMI Hino Adelaide. We look forward to working with you and seeing more of your highly visible trucks on the road!

Read the original article here.

Explore the Hino range here.