aruti is in the news for different reasons this time. Encouraged by the response to its driving school pilot projects set up earlier this year in Bangalore, Kollam and Chandigarh, Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL) plans to open 15 more in major cities by December this year.

Given the fact that the driving school business is poorly organised, MUL�s trendsetting venture is part of its commitment to inculcate safe driving habits and road safety. The company had earlier launched the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) to train commercial drivers and conduct research on road safety-related issues. It works closely with the traffic police and has provided the latter with interceptors and distributes road safety booklets for learners. It also has courses for children to make them aware on road safety. "This has nothing to do with making additional profits," emphasises a company spokesperson. Maruti�s partners in the venture are its dealers, who will manage the school.... more