Young Driver makes Swift swap to Suzuki fleet

YOUNG DRIVER MAKES SWIFT SWAP TO SUZUKI FLEET

UK’s largest pre-17s driver-trainer invests £2m+ to purchase 170 new Suzuki Swifts

· Greener, Mild Hybrid Suzuki models replace unreliable Vauxhall Corsas

· Improved driveability for kids thanks to compact dimensions and lighter weight

· Greater seat adjustability drops minimum driver age from 10 to nine-years old

· Reassurance of impressive residuals led to outright purchase, rather than leasing

· Swift’s excellent reliability record and long warranty bode well for service life

· Young Driver’s shift to Suzuki coincides with approach of company’s 1.5-millionth lesson

Balsall Common – Young Driver, the UK’s foremost under-17s driver-training company, has just taken delivery of its first Suzuki Swifts as part of a 170-car deal with Suzuki UK that will see children given more than 150,000 lessons a year in the new model.

After 15 years and nearly 1.5 million lessons, Young Driver has been responsible for dramatically reducing accident rates among its alumni, with only 3.3% of former students being involved in accidents in the first six months after passing their driving test*, versus the national average of 20%**.

The company, led by motor industry stalwart Ian Mulingani, has been using Vauxhall Corsas to provide c150,000 lessons for 10-17-year olds each year at 72 sites across the UK, with 4-10-year olds taught in Young Driver’s bespoke Firefly Sports EVs. However, the latest generation Corsas proved woefully unreliable, impacting the business’s efficiency, and leading to a wholesale change of direction when the time came to select a new fleet.

Suzuki Swift a perfect fit for Young Driver

“After reviewing all our options, the Suzuki Swift was the clear winner,” said Ian. “Our decision was based around three priorities: product quality and durability; low C02 emissions and fuel economy; and – of course – driveability and ease of operation for our novice drivers. The Swift stood head and shoulders above other rivals, particularly the outgoing Corsa, which trailed it at every level. We’re now taking on a fleet of mild hybrid cars that is significantly greener and more economical, easier to drive, better equipped, and, according to CAP HPI’s predictions, will retain an excellent 55% of its value after three years and 36,000 miles.

“Furthermore, the Swift’s superior cabin ergonomics mean that we can now accommodate drivers from the age of nine, rather than 10 with the Corsa, as long as they are at least 1.4 metres in height.

“Lastly, not only will the Swifts support a more sustainable business model in years to come, and make for happier young drivers, but for the first time its given us the confidence to buy our new 170-car fleet outright, rather than through a lease deal.”

Suzuki UK “delighted” to collaborate with Young Driver

And Suzuki UK’s Director Automobile, David Kateley, was quick to see the suitability of the Swift’s design and technology to Young Driver’s students:

“We are delighted to be involved with Young Driver with the supply of 170 new Swift Hybrid cars. They will be put to very good use by its ever-growing group of younger people with their pare