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-   -   Bangalore: Lathangi Ford crashes customer EcoSport; 1.6 Lakhs of damage. UPDATE: Resolved by Ford! (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-dealerships/178165-bangalore-lathangi-ford-crashes-customer-ecosport-1-6-lakhs-damage-update-resolved-ford-5.html)

This entire episode reposes my faith in always dropping off and picking up the car at ASC by my own self.

Eventually, i would like to give it to Ford India for the way they closed the case even though initially they were not interested to pitch in. And all this happened due to the power of Social Media.clap:

Most of us are looking at from the point of view of customers or potential customers. Ford should realise that that is what matters.

In what way, exactly, does this absolve the dealer from responsibility for what their employees do to your car?

I don't know if there is anything in your "legal" arguments, but, from the customer-service point of view, they hold no water at all.

That is why in my earlier post I had asked what if the accident had been due to no fault of the driver. Who is responsible then?

Ignorance is bliss . Happy motoring

Thank you for your reply.

Right or wrong, while customers actually stand up for, and support the right of, dealers and manufacturers to treat them badly, nothing will change.

Happy buying.

+1

I feel that being residents of a country which does not provide us the peace of mind of a definite rule-book/law against such practices, it is essential to be defensive in thought process and try to avoid such situations from occurring in the first place.

In my 8 years of 4-wheeler ownership, I have never let my car be picked up/dropped by a dealer's driver. I empathize with those who would need to, due to unavoidable circumstances, and understand their need for such services. But there are many who use these services provided by the dealer as a 'good option' to save time. This is a lesson-learnt/experience for those who do so.

This kind of damage happening is perhaps one of the worst case scenarios, but I would feel icky just if someone else drove my car. I have seen valet drivers drive a DSG automatic in 'D' mode, keeping the brake pedal pressed to prevent the car from rolling ahead (instead of shifting the lever to 'N' and activating the hand-brake) for about 5 minutes. And all this, because the driver was chatting with someone. Now just imagine the kind of (known) damage that this can cause to a DSG transmission! So long story short, another person driving your car will never take as much care of it as you would yourself. And that in itself should be a reason to not avail these services. As is said by a famous someone: "You take care of the car, car takes care of you".

Also, it is high time someone started a 'Zomato' for car dealerships. We need to separate the good from the bad. ;)

Came across a similar case of alleged damage by a Ford dealer.

https://www.facebook.com/harishkara/...54573127124089

Lathangi Ford dealership is closed now. I heard it has been taken over by another group.

Glad that the dealership has shut down!
i am also one of the victims of his legal manipulations and he's been very successful till date! 5 yrs of my futile attempts at legal resolution and still long way to go, although i am not giving up...
he's also doing the same with the Harley Dealership in chennai, that he owns and there are many fighting(22 booking customers in all) to get their money back from him as he has used up all the funds and is now absconding from the scene!

We are in a fix now. Took an Ecosport this April. They are yet to hand over the accessories promised.

Any idea if the new group would be opening a Ford dealership/service? I got my Figo serviced there back in March and when I visited them again in May, to get the brake pads replaced, I was surprised to find the service center empty. On asking they told me that they were waiting for inventory which would take a month's time. Next thing I know, they've closed down. :eek:

Contrary to the popular opinion, I was pretty happy with their service for my Fiesta and also because the service center was very close to my place. On that basis I added a second hand Figo to my garage. Now I am in a soup because the Fiesta is due for service and the only options I know is Metro Ford in St Marks Road and Yeshwantpur.

Yes, Ford it is. I am in soup as well. A cousin bought an ecosport end april and paid for accessories which were not delivered. The new dealer is not accepting and responsibility for any of Lathangi's commitments.
I also heard that the security guards had taken custody of 2 figos in the yard for non payment of salary :)

Seriously?
All showrooms and service centres shut down?
What happened?

Not sure of the reasons. The new dealer is JSP Ford. I am still trying to get the accessories or the money that Lathangi collected.

Not surprised that the Metro Ford Lingrajapuram centre was packed full the last two times I went there.
They are working on Sundays too now. They are doing a good job as well.

They've been working on Sundays for at least a year and a half. And yes, they do a good job with the regular service.