AA celebrates 120th anniversary

The Automobile Association (AA) is celebrating its 120th anniversary today (26 June) highlighting its long-term involvement in the UK motoring sector.

With its yellow breakdown recovery vehicles, the AA was originally set up with the “rebel intentions” to warn drivers of speed traps, it said.

But now the national institution is one of the UK’s top breakdown providers and also offers a number of services for motorists, including driving lessons and education, insurance, car car and vehicle sales.

One of the longest serving aspects of the AA stable is its signs business, first started in 1906 as many local authorities didn’t consider it their responsibility.

As well as signing the way, The AA has created signs for the World Cup in 1966, the 2012 Olympics, as well as Royal weddings and funerals. Today the team regularly supports high profile events such as The All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon and Glastonbury festival.  

The AA has also embraced new vehicle technology with its connected car product, Vixa, which can help monitor vehicle health and pre-warn drivers of potential faults.

To showcase the company’s anniversary, a video has been produced to showcase the length and breadth of The AA today.

Key AA Milestones

1. Founding of The AA (1905)
2. Formed on 29 June 1905 by a group of motorists to help drivers avoid police speed traps. Originally called the Motorists’ Mutual Association, it quickly became The Automobile Association
3. The AA Salute and Speed Trap Warnings (1906–1911)
4. AA patrols used a salute system to discreetly warn members of police speed traps. This practice became iconic and symbolized the AA’s early advocacy for motorists
5. Introduction of AA Hotel Star Ratings (1912)
6. The AA began inspecting and classifying hotels, introducing the now-famous star rating system, which remains a trusted standard in UK hospitality
7. Deployment of AA Sentry Boxes (1920s)
8. Over 600 sentry boxes were installed across the UK, offering members shelter, supplies, and a direct line to AA headquarters. These became a symbol of roadside assistance
9. First Roadside Petrol Pumps (1920)
10. The AA pioneered the installation of roadside petrol pumps, making refuelling more accessible for early motorists
11. Royal Endorsement and Presidency (1951)
12. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh became AA President, marking the beginning of a long-standing relationship with the Royal Family. The AA owned BSM driving school even taught Queen Elizabeth II to drive
13. Introduction of Four-Wheeled Patrol Vans (1961)
14. The iconic yellow AA Minivans replaced motorcycles, enhancing the efficiency and comfort of roadside patrols
15. Launch of the AA Relay Service (1973)
16. A major innovation in breakdown recovery, the Relay service allowed vehicles to be transported anywhere in the UK, not just repaired on the spot
17. Command and Control centre goes paperless (1986)
18. Breakdown calls taken at AA operation centre begins digital transition as computers help improve the speed of patrol attendance. System is a precursor to the modern ‘AAHELP’ systems used today
19. Online Route Planner Launch (1999)
20. The AA brought its route planning services online, revolutionizing how drivers navigated the UK. It served over 1 million routes within six months
21. Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
22. AA patrols supported ambulance services across the UK, ensuring emergency vehicles stayed operational during a national crisis
23. Launch of electric vehicle fleet (2024)
24. AA breakdown services and driving schools begin using electric vehicles across the fleet to help rescue drivers at the roadside, while preparing new drivers to the changing automotive landscape

Jakob Pfaudler, AA CEO, said:

“It is an honour to lead The AA as it celebrates its 120th anniversary. The world class customer care our Patrols and employees give our members everyday fills me with pride.

“We are immensely proud of our past but are always looking ahead to propel ourselves forward. It is our deep heritage, and the ambition to remain always ahead, which helps us to give confidence to drivers both now and in the future.

“As the UK automotive sector evolves with electric vehicles, connected cars and autonomous technology, The AA and our Patrols will always be needed to keep people on the road.”

The news comes as The AA is due to speak at the Transport + Energy Fleet Electrification Forum on 9 July at Warwick Conferences. You can find out more about the event here.