AAA Washington has expanded its operations within the Spokane market with the opening of a new, 12,000-square-foot Spokane Fleet Center in the East Central neighborhood, says Percy Hoffman, vice president of automotive solutions at the membership and service organization. 

The Spokane Fleet Center, located at 3304 E. Springfield, accommodates the company’s first fleet within Spokane that will improve response times and coverage, Hoffman says. AAA Washington's fleet services will provide the organization's members with services such as mobile battery service for gas-powered vehicles, tire changes, and lockout assistance. The facility has eight employees and eight trucks, with the capability to expand as needed. 

“We’ve noticed in recent years that Spokane metro and Spokane Valley have certainly been growing, not just from a resident’s perspective, but from a demand perspective for roadside service,” Hoffman says. 

AAA Washington, an affiliate of the the federation of car and travel clubs known as the American Automobile Association, responds to about 25,000 roadside service requests per year within the Spokane area, Hoffman says, adding that post-pandemic, requests have grown about 5% annually. 

Statewide, the organization has 1.2 million members. 

AAA Washington has two service categories: a tow service, which comprises just below 50% of all requests, and a nontow service, which includes lighter roadside service requests, primarily for battery service, jump starts, and fuel, Hoffman says. 

Previously, AAA Washington had a presence within the Inland Northwest through its partnership with local towing companies, which the organization contracts for roadside assistance. The organization will continue to partner with local service providers as it builds its presence here, he says.  

The organization also is working toward decarbonization of its fleet, Hoffman says. The Spokane Fleet Center will have electric charging stations in the future, he says. 

“Hopefully, folks will notice down the road some (electric) trucks of ours rolling around the community as well,” Hoffman says.