ADAC

The ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club e.V.) is Germany's and Europe's largest automobile club, with 15,290,614 members in August 2005. It was founded on May 24, 1903 as "Deutsche Motorradfahrer-Vereinigung" (in English: German Motorbiker Association) and was renamed in 1911. Today it is still the largest motorcyclist association in the world with 1.5 million members.

Both the ADAC, and its older rival AvD (the organizer of the German Grand Prix), are members of the FIA and the DMSB. The European Grand Prix, the former ADAC Eifelrennen, the 24 Hours Nürburgring and many other races are hosted by ADAC.

The ADAC also operates a large fleet of mobile mechanics in yellow cars that assist motorists in trouble - the "Yellow Angels". The ADAC runs its own modification center whereby ordinary vans are turned into mobile garages (pictures only depict Ford Galaxies) in 55 man-hours.

In addition to this, the ADAC provides 36 helicopters for urgent medical rescues in Germany, strategically placed so that any location can be reached within 15 minutes. Air ambulance jets are used by the ADAC to rescue their members with a "PLUS" membership or customers who own an ADAC international travel insurance from any location worldwide in the case of accident or extreme sickness. During the Tsunami catastrophy, the ADAC evacuated thousands of German citizens and members from the region home to wherever they are living (Germany or not).

The ADAC also offers its membership to non German residents, having signed contracts with automobile clubs worldwide. In the UK, it is possible to have breakdown recovery through the local AA whilst having an ADAC membership.

The ADAC is publisher of the magazine with the largest distribution in Germany, the "ADAC Motorwelt". It features articles of common interest to all participants of public traffic, such as product tests, safe driving tips and also places to visit by car or motorbike.

On June 3rd 2008, the ADAC suspended its involvement with the FIA over the scandal surrounding Max Mosley and his subsequent retention as FIA president. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7430939.stm BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One | Mosley stays on as FIA president ] ]

International affiliates

The ADAC has reciprocal arrangements with a range of international affiliates, including
* The AAA in the USA

See also

* Breakdown (vehicle)
* Breakdown Cover
* Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC)

ADAC may also mean

* Acting Deputy Assistant Commissioner

References

External links

* [http://www.adac.de Website]