San Diego Lifeguards to Get Hyundai Vehicles, Replacing Toyota Fleet
San Diego’s iconic red and white lifeguard trucks are set to be replaced by Hyundai vehicles following a novel corporate sponsorship agreement with the city, a shift confirmed by city officials this week.
The agreement, which begins in April, marks the end of a nearly 15-year partnership with Toyota, whose vehicles have been a fixture on San Diego beaches. City officials state the deal with Hyundai is financially superior to the expiring contract with Toyota, and includes more frequent vehicle replacement cycles, promising a more modern and reliable fleet for the city’s lifeguards.
Under the initial five-year agreement – with potential extensions up to 15 years – Hyundai will assume full maintenance responsibilities for the lifeguard vehicles. Previously, under the Toyota agreement, the city handled all maintenance. City Council President Joe LaCava described the new arrangement as an “extraordinary improvement” over previous agreements. “Our lifeguards deserve the best, and this agreement ensures that,” he said.
City estimates place the value of the agreement – representing the total cost San Diego would have incurred for purchasing and maintaining the lifeguard fleet – at $4 million over the initial five-year term. The transition is expected to be seamless, according to the city’s Economic Development Department, with Toyota continuing to support the fleet through April while Hyundai begins providing vehicles and services.
“Toyota will continue to provide support and decommission the remaining fleet, while Hyundai will begin providing vehicles and services under the new agreement starting in April,” the city stated in response to inquiries from The San Diego Union-Tribune. “Given the initial Hyundai fleet will be equipped and in service before Toyota completes its final returns, uninterrupted operational coverage is anticipated.” The city is implementing a “staggered transition” to ensure continuous service throughout the changeover.
The agreement includes a reduction in the overall fleet size, from 38 vehicles under the Toyota contract to 32 under Hyundai. This will consist of two Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicles, intended for use by lifeguard chiefs and captains, and 30 gasoline-powered vehicles: 18 Santa Cruz pickup trucks and 12 Palisade SUVs. Lifeguards performing rescues potentially involving water submersion will continue to utilize gasoline-powered vehicles.
The shift comes as California prepares for a 2035 ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles, raising questions about the future of lifeguard vehicles capable of operating in the water. City officials explained the five-year initial term with Hyundai allows for flexibility in addressing this potential challenge. “The current agreement includes a planned fleet refresh every two to three years, allowing the city to incorporate low- or zero-emission technologies as requirements evolve,” the city stated. The initial term will integrate the Ioniq EV into the fleet, demonstrating a commitment to long-term sustainability and establishing a roadmap for continued electrification.
Hyundai was the sole bidder in response to the city’s sponsorship request issued in February 2025. City officials indicated that other automotive companies may have been deterred by the timing of the request, which coincided with the announcement of new federal tariffs. “Overall participation in the sponsorship request was limited due to the timing,” the city stated. “The deadline coincided with the week the federal government announced new tariffs last year, creating significant uncertainty for vehicle manufacturers that had initially expressed interest.”
As part of the agreement, Hyundai will sponsor water safety days on San Diego beaches and bays, and will be permitted to produce up to two television and two radio advertisements annually featuring lifeguards and the rescue vehicles. The Local Toyota Dealers Association, which managed the expiring agreement, did not respond to requests for comment.