Mitsubishi L200 4work (Triton) goes Baywatching

L200 expected to cover all UK beaches



Mitsubishi Motors UK is delighted to announce it has recently concluded a deal with the RNLI to supply L200 4Work double-cab pick-ups for the charity’s front-line beach rescue teams.

Initially, 12 Mitsubishis have been purchased to fulfil duties in the South and South West of England. It is expected that over the next two-years the L200 will replace existing vehicles at all 36 beaches in the region and then go on to replace all 62 units around the UK.

The RNLI Lifeguards provide an immediate response to incidents on Britain’s most popular beaches. To perform this invaluable service they require a tough, reliable, multi-purpose vehicle – enter the Mitsubishi L200.

“When we considered all of the things we needed from a vehicle, the L200 came out on top,” said RNLI Transport Manager, David Tidman. “It needs to be 4-wheel drive as it will operate almost entirely on sand, have excellent load-carrying and towing capabilities and ultimately, be reliable.”

There were a number of other factors which also came into the purchase criteria, as Mr Tidman explains:

“The design of the vehicle is an important feature. The L200 double-cab has excellent space in the rear of the passenger compartment – ideal for carrying personnel or injured swimmers. Its load-area is also a good size and allows teams to carry all of the equipment they need. Our Lifeguard units are very high profile, so with its modern styling, together with the equipment and sign-writing added, the new L200 really looks the part and conveys the professionalism of our teams, their training and equipment.”

Each of the all-white L200s will be fitted with racks to carry surf rescue boards and other necessary equipment, plus emergency lighting, a PA system, VHF radio, as well as displaying the RNLI’s distinctive Beach Lifeguard livery.

In some cases, the vehicles will be required to tow the RNLI’s ‘Rescue Watercraft’, more commonly known as jet-skis and small inflatable boats for off-beach rescue operations.

The RNLI are no strangers to Mitsubishi, having already purchased Shoguns and previous model L200s.

“From experience we have found our Mitsubishis to be excellent work-horses. We have been pleased with the back-up service we receive and the excellent warranty arrangements – especially when you consider what our vehicles are put through,” says Mr Tidman.

The L200s are supplied through Dorset based Mitsubishi dealers, Poole Car Centre, with the first group of vehicles having equipment fitted in the RNLI’s Wadebridge workshops.

“We are delighted the RNLI has chosen the new L200 for its Beach Lifeguard operation,” said Andy Wertheim General Manager – Fleet Sales for Mitsubishi Motors UK. “It’s great to know that the L200 was selected for all the right reasons and it’s an added bonus that the cars will be seen at most of the popular beaches in the UK doing what they do best.”

The RNLI’s inaugural fleet of L200s went into operation a few weeks ago, just as the busy part of the season began, at some of the most popular coastal resorts in the South West, including Newquay, Perranporth and others in North Cornwall and North Devon.


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(story and photos: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation)