RAC plc
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Image:Rac.tower.arp.600pix.jpg
RAC plc is a UK-based motoring organisation, originally formed by the Royal Automobile Club to assist members with roadside and other motoring services. The RAC's traditional rival is the The Automobile Association or AA.
Founded in 1897, the club introduced uniformed patrols in 1901 and added roadside telephones in 1912.
In September 2002, the RAC motoring services were sold by the Royal Automobile Club to Lex Service plc, which renamed itself RAC plc. There is no longer any formal connection between the two organisations. Following the de-merger of the two parts of the RAC and the sale of the motoring services arm the RAC Foundation, previously a part of the RAC was made independent and took on the Motoring advocacy role of the RAC.
RAC plc also owns BSM (previously The British School of Motoring), Lex Vehicle Leasing, AutoWindscreens and BSG (Birmingham safety glass).
In 2005, RAC plc was acquired by the Norwich Union Insurance division of Aviva plc.