NRMA ramps up towing capabilities with new Towing Centre of Excellence

NRMA data shows the number of breakdowns requiring a tow has steadily increased over the last five years. So far this year, 19 per cent of breakdowns attended by NRMA patrols resulted in the need for a tow truck compared with 16 per cent in 2018.

To meet this increasing need for towing capacity, NRMA has grown its tow truck fleet from one truck and a single dedicated driver in 2011 to 28 tow trucks today, including two new vehicles designed to help more Members in more ways.

While the NRMA still relies on its large network of third party tow trucks, the growing fleet of NRMA owned vehicles ensures Members have shorter wait times and a smoother experience getting back on the road.

For drivers broken down in narrow streets like those in Sydney’s inner city, the new hybrid electric truck is capable of getting in and out of tight spaces with faster loading times, meaning less disruption to other motorist impacted by breakdowns. 

NRMA General Manager, Roadside, Simon Denic said rapidly evolving technology in modern vehicles creates a greater reliance on NRMA’s towing capability.

“Keeping people moving is at the heart of the NRMA and we have been focusing on how we can significantly reduce the amount of time people spend on the side of the road when they’ve broken down and need a tow.

“Our skilled patrols have an incredible track record of getting people back on the road faster, but technological advancements have meant some cars, particularly newer models that don’t carry spare tyres, need towing. 

“While car technology is improving, people still break down for all the same reasons. In 2023, the NRMA responded to more than one million calls for assistance with batteries, tyres, lockouts and engine or alternator issues the main reasons.”