Initiated in preparation for the slowly approaching FIFA 2010 World Cup, the programme instituted by General Motors of South Africa aims to enhance the defensive driving skills of members of the Flying Squad, Police Dog Unit, Crime Combating Unit, and the elite Special Task Force. Their roles will be pivotal in ensuring global safety during the momentous 6-week event commencing June 2010 in South Africa.
Over a 12 month programme, a group of 2 200 members of the SAPS participated the in the driver training course, administered and designed by Driving Dynamics, with GM-supplied vehicles.
GM chose seven vehicles including the Chevrolet Aveo and Cruze for the programme involving passenger vehicles. An Isuzu double cab bakkie was also used to provide training in the proficient handling of a light commercial vehicle.
The trainers have reason to believe the robust nature of the Isuzu and Chevrolet vehicles in GM's stable had been proved throughout the programme's duration: Despite being subjected to more than 10 000kms of abrupt braking, fierce acceleration and violent cornering, none of the vehicles, they claimed, experienced mechanical problems of any sort.
Then again GM products such as Chev and Isuzu have maintained their strong brand value and credibility over the decades.
Perhaps members of the SAPS who have grown accustomed to spending time behind the wheel of vehicles with the famous Bowie emblem will persuade their superiors to reconsider the current fleet of Golf GTIs and Ford STs in favour of something like Chevrolet's Lumina SS - guaranteed to evoke fear in felons with its brute power and beastly exterior.
Posts
