Mazda 3 Boost Sales Through Driving School Programme

November 30th, 2009

SG Petch Mazda is now offering the all-new Mazda 3 as part of its driving school programme for the first time, in addition to giving driving instructors access to low-rate finance. 

The County Durham based car retailer initially launched into the driving instructor market with the Mazda 2 last year, but has now given it a major boost with the availability of the Mazda 3 as part of the new improved programme, which will run until 31 December 2009. Now all Mazda 2 and all-new Mazda 3 models, with the exception of limited edition cars, are available at its Darlington and Durham delaerships under the programme, which is specifically aimed at the 17,000 qualified driving instructors who are self-employed or work for small driving schools.

“Anecdotal evidence suggests that many newly qualified drivers go on to purchase either a new or second-hand car similar to the one in which they had driving lessons,” says John Sedgwick dealer principal for Darlington. “As a result, by launching an improved driving schools programme, we believe we will secure additional new and used car sales. ”The programme includes free-of-charge supply and fitment of He-Man dual controls (He-Man is the UK’s leading supplier of dual controls), header board including graphics, metallic paint and, for the first time, access to low rate finance on both Mazda2 and all-new Mazda 3 models.

In addition, on all-new Mazda 3, a GPS secondary speedometer is fitted free of charge to the passenger side dashboard as the ‘tunnel’ design of the driver’s speedometer makes it difficult for the driving instructor to view. “We have seen solid demand for Mazda 2 from driving schools since we launched the programme,” continues Sedgwick. “However, it is also clear that some instructors want a larger car that is used both to instruct pupils and as their ‘main’ family vehicle. That is why we have added all-new Mazda 3 to the programme. ”Around 1.4 million people take their driving test in the UK each year with a pass rate of about 42%, according to the Driving Standards Agency.

Many of the approximate 600,000 people who pass their driving test annually will be looking to buy a car. There is significant anecdotal evidence that many newly qualified drivers buy a derivative of the car they took their lessons in because familiarity breeds confidence.“It makes sense for Darlington and Durham to offer a cost-effective driving school car programme to instructors as not only will they benefit but the move could result in a significant new business opportunity for us,” adds Sedgwick.

Mazda 2 on the road prices start at £9,295 for the 1.3 3dr TS with air conditioning and Mazda 3 prices start at £13,500 for the 1.6 5dr S.

Related: Mazda Parts.

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