AA pupils learn to drive in Ford's new best seller

All learner drivers taking lessons at the AA driving school are to get their first taste of motoring in Britain's top-selling car, the all-new Ford Focus.

The AA driving school's 1,800 instructors have updated to the new five-door 1.6-litre Focus from Ford's prior model. AA driving school has run a Ford-only fleet since 1998.

Ford will supply 3,600 new instructor cars a year in line with the AA's six-month replacement policy. The total number of new Focus models going to the AA driving school annually will be almost 4,000 when pool and job cars are added. The news follows Ford's announcement earlier this year that all new Ford vehicles come with a minimum of 12 months Europe-wide roadside assistance from the AA as standard.

AA driving school has confirmed its continued partnership with the Ford Focus in the motoring organisation's centennial year. Kevin Foster, AA instructor of the year, said: "The Ford Focus is an excellent easy-to-drive car for our pupils and they give great feedback on it. The Focus is popular among our discerning young customers and it's a pleasure to teach in."

Paul Thomas, Ford of Britain managing director, said: "We're delighted that all AA driving school pupils will be taking their lessons and tests in the new Ford Focus. After passing their tests I'm sure many will not want to part company with Britain's best seller."

The all-new Ford Focus is the ideal choice for learner drivers. With a five-star Euro NCAP occupant safety rating, as well as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and IPS (Intelligent Protection System) as standard, the Ford Focus has been Britain's favourite car every year since going on sale in 1998. Since the company's partnership with AA driving school began, more than half a million people have taken taken their driving test in a Ford.