Hyundai starts ‘Driving School’

Company Brief

New Delhi, September 24, 2009

As part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., the largest exporter and the second largest automobile manufacturer, today, honoured 19 drivers who completed their training at the newly formed ‘Hyundai Driving School’ in Chennai. This driving school, set up under the aegis of Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), aims to provide driver training which will lead to livelihood opportunities for the economically backward youth in the villages around the factory.

With an annual investment of Rs.12 lakh, towards the operation of the ‘Driving School’ which is located within the factory premises, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), plans to accommodate 4 batches of trainees every year and aims to train around 100 youth to be disciplined drivers.

Speaking on the occasion, S.Ganapathy, Advisor HMIF, HMIL remarked, “HMIL has long felt that there is a great need to train drivers and help promote road safety and reduce instances of road accidents. This school will teach potential drivers not only how to drive safely but also familiarize them in matters of road rules and driving etiquette. We feel that such schools will go a long way in making our roads safer while at the same time it will offer employment opportunities for the rural youth in and around our factory.”

To ensure personalized hands-on training for aspiring drivers, Hyundai has hired two experienced instructors, to impart theory lessons as well as supervise the driving training and ensure that they learn safe driving techniques as well as understand the dynamics of the vehicles so they can optimise vehicle performance.

Furthermore, Hyundai has developed intensive methods of driver training specifically designed for beginners to help them learn about road safety. After a rigorous selection process, the drivers underwent two months training programme to make them more efficient on the roads. Apart from class room training and workshop maintenance, the drivers were also imparted practical training on working models of various automobile systems like Cooling system, Transmission system, Fuel system, etc.

In order to make this program a success, besides training, the drivers were also provided lessons in safety signs, the nuances of yoga exercises and soft skills to make them good disciplined drivers. During the course of the training, Hyundai provided them with uniforms, safety shoes and other basic amenties to make them feel a part of the Hyundai family. After completion, all the trainees were provided with certificates for their rigorous driving practice, acquired knowledge on traffic rules and regulations, driving theory, vehicle maintenance and first aid training.

Practical and theoretical exams on the above topics were conducted with a pass mark of 40%. These apart, the trainees were emphasised to register 95% class room attendance and were put through the necessary medical examination for testing clear vision to become eligible for the Certificate.

Hyundai Motor India realizes that training the local youth is a small step towards helping the society to usher in a new era of disciplined and safe traffic. Therefore, after the successful set up of Student Traffic Squad, Hyundai will strive hard to make this program a success.

For further information, please contact:

Aparna Srivastava

Mobile: +91-9811234594

Email: aparna.srivastava@ipan.com