Suzuki GB PLC is very pleased to announce that Young Driver, the UK’s foremost under-17s driver-training company, has just taken delivery of its first batch of Swift Hybrid models as part of a 170-car deal that will see children given more than 150,000 lessons a year.
After 16 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, provides 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.
“After reviewing all our options to replace the existing Vauxhall Corsa fleet, the 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 its other rivals so we’re now taking on a new 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.
“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 it’s given us the confidence to buy our new 170-car fleet outright, rather than through a lease deal. Furthermore, the Swift’s superior cabin ergonomics mean that we can now accommodate drivers from the age of nine, rather than 10 with the outgoing car, provided they are at least 1.4 metres in height.
Suzuki GB PLC Director Automobile, David Kateley comments: “We are delighted to be involved with Young Driver with the supply of 170 Swift Hybrid cars. They will be put to very good use by its ever-growing group of younger people with their parents wishing to experience an instructed and safe first-car drive at one of their established locations throughout the UK.
Swift Hybrid is particularly suitable for younger drivers with its compact size and lightweight controls and offers all the efficiency, technology and safety you need. Swift is our best-selling model, and we are confident that our major collaboration will raise even more awareness of the Suzuki brand along with proving the strong reliability our cars offer”.
Young Driver’s Suzuki fleet will comprise 160 Swift Motion models, powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, 12v mild hybrid engine producing 81bhp, and mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A further 10 Swifts have been ordered with optional CVT transmission for young drivers with impaired abilities, who are not able to operate a conventional three-pedal system. All the Swifts are equipped with He-Man Dual Controls.
Young Driver is thoroughly committed to teaching greener driving techniques and using ICE/mild hybrid cars like the Suzuki Swift for maximum efficiency. Based on the manual-transmission car’s official combined fuel consumption of 64.2mpg, the company expects to save just under £20,000*** in fuel alone, compared with the previous fleet and with a CO₂ figure of just 99g/km, Swift’s emissions are also considerably lower than the 117g/km for the outgoing car.
Commenting further, Ian Mulingani said: “What finally tipped the balance for us, though, was product durability,” The fact that Suzuki was rated third out of 31 brands in the What Car? 2024 Reliability Survey, says it all, really. We also have the reassurance of a Suzuki warranty of up to seven years and 100,000 miles.”
