Ford launches 'skills for life' training in China

Shanghai, June 16 (Gasgoo.com) Ford Motor Company last week launched its global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) driver education program in China, together with its joint venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. and Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd. the U.S. automaker's website www.ford.com said.

The DSFL training sessions will be conducted through the end of August at 62 full-service Ford dealerships in 22 Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Nanjing. DSFL is offered free to program trainees, and Ford plans to have more than 3,000 drivers participate in the training this year.

Ford said its has had the DSFL training customized for China to reflect the local driving environment and road conditions, and will mix classroom learning and practical training to help increase awareness of safe driving techniques and teach skills that can help drivers improve fuel efficiency.

The Driving Skills for Life program's key objective is to reduce the toll of road traffic accidents across the Asia Pacific region. The World Health Organization estimates that road traffic accidents will become the third-leading cause of premature death for all ages by 2020, accounting for a staggering 1.3 million deaths each year.

As the world's largest auto market, China has a growing percentage of first-time car-buyers and drivers on its roads. Ford strongly believes that programs like Driving Skills for Life are critical to address growing concerns about road safety in China and other emerging markets.