Our history
The RAC has been consistently at the forefront in assisting UK drivers. Here is a snapshot of our history so far, beginning in 1897.
RAC timeline:
2024
RAC campaigning leads to government agreeing to fund research into the causes of headlight glare.
2023
Launches RAC Mobile Mechanics to service and repair customers’ vehicles at their homes and workplaces. RAC gives drivers power to find the cheapest fuel by including a fuel finder feature in the myRAC app. RAC allegations that the 5p fuel duty cut was not being passed on by retailers leads to Competition and Markets Authority being ordered to investigate and concluding drivers were overcharged by £900m in 2022.
2022
Acquired leading driving test theory mobile app. RAC is the first major breakdown company to launch an all-electric patrol van.
2021
Global leader in technology Silverlake became co-shareholder with GIC and CVC to accelerate next phase of digital and data-enabled growth.
2019
Launched RAC EV Boost – the breakdown industry’s first van-mounted unit to charge ‘flat’ electric cars. Launched UK’s first All-Wheels-Up recovery system giving ‘flatbed’ capability to patrol vans to transport more SUVs, 4x4s, pick-ups, vans, automatics, hybrids and even electric vehicles (EVs). RAC rolled out heavy duty patrol van designed to cope with increasing number of larger, heavier vehicles, such as SUVs and EVs, that need assistance.
2018
30th annual RAC Report on Motoring is published
2016
Following RAC campaigning, the penalty for using a handheld mobile phone was doubled to six penalty points and a £200 fine
2015
Carlyle Group sells stake in RAC and CVC Capital Partners became co-shareholder with GIC. Launched RAC Fuel Watch to ensure fair pump prices for drivers. RAC and Audi set a Guinness World Record for visiting 14 countries on a single tank of fuel.
2014
GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, becomes a co-shareholder with Carlyle Group. RAC Telematics launched to help improve business sector fleet management.
2013
New revolutionary universal spare wheel introduced to help patrols with growing ‘puncture no spare’ issue. Launched new and used car buying website, RAC Cars.
2011
Acquired by Carlyle Group and launched home insurance products.
2005
Acquired by Aviva plc.
2002
RACScan vehicle diagnostic tool launched.
2000
Developed the 'rapid deployment' towing system increasing efficiency and enabling more patrol, rather than contractor, vehicle tows.
1999
Acquired by Lex Group. RAC was the first organisation to introduce flexible hours for its patrol force.
1998
RAC de-mutualised – RAC Motoring Services Ltd became standalone breakdown assistance company
1994
RAC supercentre at Bristol opened alongside the M5
1989
Walsall supercentre opened on edge of M6. Patrol vans fitted with mobile data terminals providing instant information about breakdowns. RAC Insurance Ltd set up. First edition of the Report on Motoring published.
1987
Advanced Computer Aided Rescue System introduced
1986
Reintroduced motorcycle patrols to get to members more quickly in cities
1983
RAC patrols handle landmark 1m breakdowns.
1982
RAC ‘At Home’ service launched.
1980
New lift-and-tow ‘jambuster’ vehicles launched.
1979
Club split into divisions, creating RAC Motoring Services Ltd.
1975
RAC Recovery Service launched as membership exceeds 1.5m.
1963
RAC introduced first fleet of Morris and Austin Minis vans
1961
RAC patrols stopped saluting members for safety reasons
1959
Introduced the first motorway patrols when the London to Birmingham M1 opened. RAC chairman Wilfrid Andrews was credited with getting the UK’s motorway programme off the ground.
1957
RAC launched the Radio Rescue Service, its first wireless-controlled emergency breakdown service
1955
RAC chairman Wilfrid Andrews founded the Roads Campaign Council to demand investment in the nation’s highways
1949
Widespread use of patrol vans began with the 1949 Morris J-type.
1947
RAC head of motoring Eric Charles coined the phrase ‘black ice’
1932
First running of the RAC Rally – a test of reliability, with 341 entrants.
1931
Norton motorcycle sidecar combinations launched for patrols
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1930
RAC members, led by Mervyn O’Gorman, inspired the creation of the Highway Code, published one year later
1922
Introduced motorcycle patrols
1914
Launched the Motor Service Volunteer Corps to support the war effort.
1912
Introduced roadside emergency telephone (sentry) boxes and introduced motorcycle patrols.
1907
Given Royal approval by King Edward VII – the Royal Automobile Club established.
1901
Introduced uniformed patrols, known as road guides, on bicycles.
1897
Founded by Charles Harrington Moore and Frederick Richard Simms (above) as the Automobile Club of Great Britain.
Who we are
For over 125 years, the RAC has been at the forefront of developing motoring solutions. Today, you can trust the RAC for complete peace of mind, for all your driving needs.
Our directors
Details of the Group's executive and non-executive directors.
Corporate responsibility
The RAC has embedded Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) throughout the business, with a continued focus on enhancing road safety, improving fuel efficiencies and in developing innovative new products and services for members.