[Karthik Chandra]

Originally Posted by phamilyman

Older friends tell me that its all about the bad urban planning and land mafia.

They mentioned that Chennai had higher rain in 1972/76 but because the city (and upstream areas) had unmolested lakes and flood plains - the flooding was not as severe. From what I read, much of the flooding by the adyar river was because of the upstream reservoirs overflowing and releasing substantial volumes of water.

Per a friend, many of the "older" parts of the city - a friend's great grandfather's house built in the 1920s (Mandaveli), did not see a drop of water ingress, while the newer parts saw massive flooding. Does that statement agree with your experience?

Yes Sir, your friends are right, the river beds have been encroached, the dried up lakes have been approved for construction. Ps refer below images.

The area is MRC Nagar in Chennai

Satellite view


The adyar river which was flooded causing havoc in the nearby areas used to be 250 mts wide it seems, but now it is only 50 mts (info from a news debate discussion)

The north part of Chennai were least affected save for those in low lying areas, the areas near the Chennai port trust remained unaffected due to the drain system constructed during the British rule, (read in a news article, unable to search now, shall post the link)

When Tsunami struck in Dec 2004, a disaster management act was enacted but the protocols were not defined then and it hit back very badly, had the govt. planned the protocols for disaster management things would not have been this worse, water had nowhere to go except into human habitat since back then (read about 70 yrs ago) it was the pathway for flood waters.
Feel bad to see that current state of what was called 'SINGARA CHENNAI'

[arun_josie]

Maruti Suzuki gears up to service flood-affected cars in Chennai.

Maruti also announced that it would bear up to 50 per cent of the repair cost generally not allowed by insurers as depreciation/wear and tear.

A good move by Maruti

Here is the news clip from businesstoday,
http://www.businesstoday.in/current/...ry/226911.html

Leading car maker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) said on Tuesday that anticipating huge rush for servicing of its cars post floods in Chennai, it has sent 150 technicians from different parts of the country in the city.

In a statement, it also said it has sent two truck loads of spare parts now stored outside Chennai to meet the demand for them.

Maruti Suzuki estimates that over 4,000 cars will be in immediate need of servicing.
As to the type of damages, the auto major estimates around 25 per cent of the vehicles would have been fully submerged in the flood water; 42 per cent submerged up to seat level and 33 per cent up to carpet level.

The company said 11 of its workshops in Chennai were submerged during the floods and hence much effort will be need to make them up and running.

There are 34 dealer workshops in Chennai and 14 Maruti Suzuki authorised workshops.
Noting most of the vehicles may not have comprehensive insurance, it also announced that it would bear up to 50 per cent of the repair cost generally not allowed by insurers as depreciation/wear and tear.

"Since many vehicles have been submerged in water, they will need thorough cleaning and polishing inside and outside, MSIL will bear 50 percent of the cost," the company said.
Incidentally the company is a major insurance intermediary in the country.

According to the company, as per its initial estimates, around Rs 10 crore will be its spent in relief efforts and this expenditure may go up.

The company will also organise a service check-up after two months.

[arvi86]

Originally Posted by arun_josie

Maruti also announced that it would bear up to 50 per cent of the repair cost generally not allowed by insurers as depreciation/wear and tear.

It is Maruti-Suzuki's pro-activeness and initiatives like these that are keeping them where they deserve to be - at the top. Compare this with the lousy reception and follow-up I experienced with Honda for my Civic, that's where the difference is. Kudos Maruti-Suzuki!

[Karthik Chandra]

Originally Posted by arun_josie

Maruti Suzuki gears up to service flood-affected cars in Chennai.

Maruti also announced that it would bear up to 50 per cent of the repair cost generally not allowed by insurers as depreciation/wear and tear.

A good move by Maruti

Proves why MSIL in number 1 and also shows why more than 1 lac customers prefer MSIL products month after month - Peace of mind guaranteed

Kudos to MSIL

Other manufacturers need to follow suit, initiatives like these would cost only peanuts for the companies but goes a long way in gaining emotional savings (read as improved brand image, trust worthiness, positive word of mouth, customer retention)

[rakesh_r]

Originally Posted by arun_josie

Maruti Suzuki gears up to service flood-affected cars in Chennai.

Maruti also announced that it would bear up to 50 per cent of the repair cost generally not allowed by insurers as depreciation/wear and tear.

A good move by Maruti

Here is the news clip from businesstoday,
http://www.businesstoday.in/current/...ry/226911.html

I am not surprised.They did the same thing during the Mumbai floods. Moreover they brought in mechanics and engineers from Gurgaon and other workshops to work overtime to clear the backlog.
Kudos to Maruti.

[itwasntme]

Informative article from the ET website:
Claim-flood: What can I get on my auto policy?

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/...w/50102326.cms

[Rajeevraj]

VW offers Free Road side assistance and special support for repairs of vehicles affected by the floods in Tamilnadu.

Free Road Side Assistance to all flood affected customers.

Important Information: Acknowledging the distress of our customers in flood affected areas of Tamil Nadu, namely Chennai, Pondicherry and Tirupati, Volkswagen will extend free Road Side Assistance to bring their Volkswagen cars to the authorized service centers.

Volkswagen dealers will also provide special support on the necessary repairs.

Contact Road Side Assistance at: 1800 102 1155.

Source: VW Website

[Venku2015]

It's really disheartening to see Chennai affected with floods and sincerely wish they get enough courage to tackle the situation. I see many BHPian's have taken an initiative to help and provide support in form of packaged food and consumables which shows that humanity is alive. I am looking for every single opportunity to do my bit.

Way to go Maruti Suzuki and Volkswagon for extending their sincere support towards the affected cars. Together we can!