Last week, more than 180 employees from Phadaeng Industry Public Company, the largest zinc smelter in Southeast Asia, and Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems (Thailand), producers of electric wiring, participated in the DSFL programme over the course of three days.

Ford Thailand conducted six training sessions, both in the classroom and on the road near the companies' office locations along Thailand's eastern seaboard.

"I first saw the DSFL programme mentioned on the Internet and thought it would be very useful training for our Phadaeng employees," said Thipladda Thesaprom, training officer at Phadaeng Industry. "Not only because most of us drive to work everyday, but many employees have family living in Bangkok and commute at least 300 kilometers between Bangkok and Rayong every week."

She continued, "I have been driving for more than ten years, but this is the first time I participated in a driving class. It's an eye-opening experience because I learned how to sit and handle the steering wheel correctly. I have to say that we were very lucky that Ford agreed to help."

While it was her first driving training session, Thipladda revealed that Phadaeng Industry had offered driver training once before. But due to insufficient learning tools and time constraints, not many people had extensive experience behind the wheel.

"Fortunately, more than enough Ford vehicles were provided for each session and everyone was impressed with the programme. Our management team suggested that we try to coordinate more training in the future," said Thipladda.

Kanya Phorsanad, one of the participants who also drives a Ford Ranger, was also very impressed with the programme. "I have been driving for decades and I only decided to join the training because one of my colleagues asked me to accompany her. But after the session, I, for the first time had learned how to handle the steering wheel correctly."   

"It was a very interesting and enjoyable driving experience," she concluded.   

Phadaeng Industry Public Company is a Ford customer and a potential fleet buyer, while Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems (Thailand) is a Ford Thailand fleet customer. Ford believes that DSFL training will increase safe and fuel-efficient driving among Thai drivers, and continue to position Ford as a vehicle producer with best-in-class safety features and fuel-efficient technology.

Ford Thailand plans to provide the free DSFL training to nearly 1,300 Thai drivers this year, an increase of more than 20 percent from 2008.

DSFL activity for Phadaeng Industry's employees	DSFL at Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems (Thailand)
Employee studies DSFL pamphlet.	Certified drivers at Sumitomo Electric.