The RNLI will be the lucky recipient of 450 Ford vehicles over the next three years as the motor company collaborates on water safety awareness with the UK’s lifeguard and lifeboat services.
Ford will deliver 210 vehicles in 2019, including 10 Fiesta, 10 EcoSport, 80 Focus, 10 Kuga, 80 Transit, Transit Connect and Transit Customs and also an impressive 20 Rangers, with the four-wheel-drive trucks to be deployed on beach patrols.
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,”
The RNLI had tested vehicles from eight different manufacturers last year, assessing the suitability of transport in a range of conditions for beach and inland.
Nick Saunders, RNLI senior procurement manager, 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.”