In a city that never sleeps, commuting can be a nuisance, especially if you are a novice driver. In order to applaud fearless ladies who brave Mumbai’s traffic on a daily basis, Maruti Suzuki announced a double bonanza for women on International Women’s Day, with a cash prize and discounts.
The highlight of the campaign this year is ‘Queen of the road’ contest with a Rs 50,000 prize and discounts for women enrolling for training at the Maruti Driving School.
To empower women with the power of mobility, a special discount of 25 per cent would be offered to teach them safe driving techniques, while a special advanced learner programme has been designed for Rs 1,000.
One of the unique features of these driving schools is that lady instructors are also available to train women, and over 50 per cent of the trainees at Maruti Driving Schools are women.
Mahesh Rajoria, Chief General Manager, Maruti Suzuki, noted that driving is now a critical empowerment skill. “We have trained over 1,40,000 women in safe driving practices. Through the contest and subsidised learner and advanced courses, we are trying to reach many more women,” he said in a statement.
There are 250 Maruti Driving Schools across the country. A special Web site has been created where women can enrol for an online safe driving test throughout March. This will be followed by a practical evaluation at the nearest school of their choice.