Ford Philippines is inclined to integrate its “Driving Skills for Life” program in the development plan for Ford Iloilo in the face of steady demand and sales of the auto brand in Region VI.
“Ford is a brand that values safety,” said EJ Francisco, assistant vice-president for communications of Ford Philippines, and “we are hoping to bring the program to Iloilo.”
Francisco added that Ford Philippines has started to pilot the implementation of the program in Manila only last July among 200 Uber drivers and they found it effective; hence, necessary to introduce the program to other cities where Ford is present.
The Ford DSFL is the company’s global road safety program. It was established in 2003 by Ford Motor Company Fund, the Governors Highway Safety Association, and a panel of safety experts intended to teach newly licensed teens the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs.
The program is international in scope and its implementation is carried, not only in the United States, but also in many areas around the world, including the Philippines.
(Visit www.drivingskillsforlife.com and learn more about the program)
A safe driving solution for teens
Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shared that nearly 3,000 teens die annually from road crashes primarily involving young newly-licensed drivers and caused by distracted and impaired driving.
This is the reason why the Ford developed the DSFL Academy to provide safe driving solution through training both hands-on and wed-based curriculum using videos and simulations.
The basic premise behind the development of DSFL is to provide a step in the learning process in order to provide new skills and information not currently shared with newly licensed young drivers on the basics of driver education courses. It is conducted without charges.
So far Ford found the results from the effort outstanding in its 10-years of implementation.
Road improvement enhanced driving interest
“We have good roads in Panay Island,” said Ford Iloilo branch manager Leo Jellicoe Villavert as he recognizes the rapid development of the road infrastructure in Panay.
“The road construction and repairs that were undertaken within the city and in the provinces has made driving conducive and comfortable even if you drive going to Antique, then Aklan and Capiz,” added Villavert.
“This is perhaps the reason why many has preferred to buy Ford especially among Ilonggo OFWs,” shared Villavert, underscoring that the OFW sector is a major consumer base that sustained the demand for Ford automobile products in Iloilo.
While Ford Iloilo enjoys a strong position considering demand and sales in Panay, data from Philippine Statistics Authority as far as 2014 have already revealed that Region VI is the most affected region in the Visayas with 733 deaths from motor vehicle related crashes.
It cannot be determined, however, how much of the Ford brand were exposed on road crashes. But it’s about time that Ford integrates its DSFL road safety program in order to contribute in making Iloilo roads safer.
“The Ford brand is among the safest motor vehicle to drive for it is equipped with the latest vehicle safety features and technology,” assured EJ Francisco.
Francisco emphasized that Ford Philippines considers the Iloilo market the ‘most special’ for we have very strong command in the market. This is made evident by the growing demand for pickup truck Ranger, Everest, and EcoSport.
The Ranger, Everest and EcoSport are Ford Iloilo’s top selling line. The auto brand is considered second in terms of monthly sales in the Panay with Iloilo as the top selling province with over 100 units sold on a monthly basis. (Archived News – August 21, 2017)