With 21,000 registrations received in the age bracket of 18-30 years, Maruti Suzuki Autocar Young Driver Contest 2012 has received an astonishing reception in its fourth season. From the Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern regions of the country, the contest has received 6900, 6100, 5800 and 2300 registrations, respectively. The car making company has added two new categories in this year's season considering its popularity since its launch back in 2009.
Maruti Suzuki emphasises upon safe driving habits amongst the youth through this contest. Since the youth forms the majority of the population, this initiative makes roads safer for everyone. Both urban and rural youth participate in the contest with equal zeal and zest to exhibit their driving skills.
Chief Operating Officer (COO), Sales and Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “The impressive response this year shows that the level of awareness regarding road safety has risen remarkably amongst the youth. For over a decade now Maruti Suzuki has been working on road safety and safe driving through a number of nationwide initiatives and we strongly believe that the involvement of youth will act as a catalyst towards taking up safe driving habits, as they are the key drivers of any change. Apart from inculcating safe driving habits and creating awareness, the Young Driver Contest also makes driving an enjoyable experience for those behind the wheel.”
The online registration process for the contest was shut down on June 8, 2012. Participants have to clear an online driving skill test in the selection procedure. Those who qualify the online test will then have to appear for a theory and practical test at a Maruti Driving School (MDS). 110 MDSs will organise this test from June 13-30, 2012 in 65 cities.
The final contestants who clear the test will then be called at Maruti's best-in-class Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) in New Delhi. A Maruti Suzuki 'A-Star' will be presented to the winner of the Maruti Suzuki-Autocar Young Driver contest and he will be made ‘Safety Ambassador’ in order to promote safe driving.
