[Sideways]

Originally Posted by Skoda Corporate

I have been advised to inform you that the hosting or publishing of such information (which , does not represent all of the facts) would instigate both Team-BHP as well as the various users in the ongoing court case.

best,

Meghna.

Hello Meghna,

For avoidance of doubt, could you please clarify if the above statement is:

1) Advice
2) A warning
3) A threat
4) None of the above.

Welcome to the forum, enjoy your stay here.

By the way, I think you mean implicate (instead of instigate)

EDIT - The lord of the yeti's has already brought the above to your notice, just saw it on the other thread, sorry, my bad.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Skoda Corporate

Hello all,
for us at Skoda Auto, customer service is of prime importance.
A system is being put in place to address customer service issues online.
Our customer service department will scrutinize each issue and work proactively to resolve them on merit.

That is our commitment to you.
Many thanks,
Skoda.

Walk the walk, Skoda. Promises are easy to make, easier to break butttttttttttttt the most difficult to fulfill. Effective immediately, get cracking on solving Harish' issues and offer him a solution that he is satisfied with. Else, we will have to take this statement as little more than PR gibberish (and PR is not exactly your strong point now, is it?). Prove to us that you can take care of one customer. And we'll give you benefit of doubt for the rest.

Again, WALK THE TALK.

[Gregory]

hahahahah! Meghna from PR & Corporate Communications

[VahanPujari]

Originally Posted by Skoda Corporate

Hello all,
for us at Skoda Auto, customer service is of prime importance.
A system is being put in place to address customer service issues online.
Our customer service department will scrutinize each issue and work proactively to resolve them on merit.

That is our commitment to you.
Many thanks,
Skoda.

Pls do not give us a beginning with training, competance etc. There is an earlier stage which is more important.

Father of our Nation has said 1 very very simple thing which is so essential for every business to succeed & he was not a management graduate from a world renowned univ. He said -

"A customer is the most important visitor on our premises.
He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him.
He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it.
He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it.
We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to do so."

-Mahatma Gandhi

Can you see the relevance of this here? Can you now see the issues raised by various customers' grievances & what is the common root cause? Can you see now the 1st step i.e. what needs to improve first instead of training, communication medium, competance etc? Check each of the statements above & see how many times it was violated & abused in the cases in question here & you'll get the answer.

It's so simple yet so far

[kanwal]

Bravo Harish!! Bravo T-BHP!!

This case/thread is indeed an eyeopener!! I was never a potential Skoda Customer but I can definitely share the views/feedback based on this with any potential customer who is even thinking of skoda to put his/her hard earned money.

[Ravveendrra]

Originally Posted by carboy

Not disagreeing. Just adding that presumption of innocence (innocent until proven guilty) holds only for criminal cases in most countries, not for civil cases. Likewise "proven beyond reasonable doubt" is only for criminal cases, not civil cases.

You are coupling "class action" and tort law. I think you can have class action without tort & tort without class action.

Many countries have something similiar to class action - like India has public interest litigation - which is "class action" of a kind.

Yes, you are right, 'presumption of innocence' and 'proof beyond reasonable doubt' are applicable in criminal cases. I was responding to an earlier post that brought up this issue. Thanks for pointing out something I should have pointed out.

Class action in the context of manufacturer's liability as suggested in this thread lies firmly in the realm of tort jurisprudence. The definition for class action being "An action brought by several claimants against a single or one set of defendants" it can include any kind of litigation falling therein, but in common usage it refers to claims for damages arising out of an allegation of tortious liability. Suits seeking reliefs for torts need not be class action suits but may also be between two individuals. PIL or Public Interest Litigation in India is a class action, invoking the writ jurisdiction of the higher judiciary, against the 'State' i.e. government, and Skoda is not 'State' or government hence is of no relevance here.

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

In UK, I believe, civil cases are subject to the balance of probability, which is a step or two down from the very rigorous beyond reasonable doubt of criminal law.

True Thad, same is the case in India as well as other ex-colonies of Britain that continue with the common law system - a delightful system with an impartial judge, unlike the continental 'civil law' system (jargon again) wherein the Judge can also act as an inquisitor / prosecutor. The common law system is justly famous for its adversorial style which gives scope for great repartee and wit and has forever enriched us with delightful anecdotes and jokes.

Originally Posted by airfoil

Skoda couldn't sell their cars in the United States to begin with. Not with the outdated engine technology and ridiculous pricing. To say nothing of their (third) world-class after sales service and outrageous pricing for spares.

Skoda has had a dream run in India selling its budget cars at a huge premium. This representation of facts and real-world experiences will hopefully turn the tide in India.




SKODA JOKES

Found on the Web: ........

@ Airfoil - please read this thread carefully, it has already been pointed out that the Skoda jokes are passe as they are from an earlier, cold-war era. The Skoda engines may be complicated but are not out-dated technology wise. Please see the FSi. The pricing is ridiculous(ly) low as noted in other threads particularly relating to the new vehicles lined up.

All of us here are up in arms against Skoda's A.S.S. and corporate culture as shown by their Corporate Communications cell.

Originally Posted by Skoda Corporate

Hello all,
for us at Skoda Auto, customer service is of prime importance.
A system is being put in place to address customer service issues online.
Our customer service department will scrutinize each issue and work proactively to resolve them on merit.

That is our commitment to you.
Many thanks,
Skoda.

I think that this is the first "Recorded message" on which I have spent more than 5 seconds!

Maybe I am grasping at straws but, I do see a glimmer of hope in the "A system is being put in place" which I hope means Skoda has realised that their A.S.S. stinks and is waking up from it's slumber to do something about it.

If that assurance was going out from my office I would have insisted that all the legalease like "on merit" etc. be dropped. It sounds downright shady (a loophole that you can use to wriggle out). I would have insisted that it be worded something like:

"We at xxxxxxxx are extremely sorry for the poor experiences that some of you have had with our product / service in the past. We are also sorry that we faltered in our first tentative steps in this forum.

We assure you that we take your concerns seriously, we are therefore revamping our Customer Service Setup and as a part of that revamp we will shortly be introducing an on-line complaint redressal system.

We assure you that customer service is of prime importance to us. We request you to kindly bear with us and to give us an opportunity to serve you in the future."

But we shall let it pass and not let it instigate us.

I second what GTO has said - It is now time for Skoda to walk the talk.

I for one, am praying that the above post is not a death rattle that will go down in history under the category of 'Famous last words'.

Cheers,

[adc]

That is our commitment - Skoda Corporate

Though this statement is open to different interpretations, Let the eternal optimist in us say that this is like half the apology or even lets say an apology to that previous toxic post of legal and free speech threat.

Why consider this apology - because thats the most a corporate can say after that ridiculous post. So lets takes this as a big U-turn and a backtrack from the precipice, again seeing things in real positive light.

Well so whats now, re-committing to the lost commitment.

Call up Harish. Stop the legal hustler attitude and honour what the first court ordered, give his car back with whatever needs to be done.

Harish and so many others will come forward themselves and post on tbhp with all the positive things when that happens - yeah you may be pleasantly suprised to know that we do talk a whole lot of positive things too, and much before any punk ad or a auto journo do!!

Surely looks like the whole house is in real decay - the customer care head of Skoda was stealing parts of a customer's car!! Take the customers help in weeding these people out, e.g. call Kapil and he will have something on the Mathura SS for sure. And then there's the whole lot out there.

Good luck and let please the good Skoda stand up now. Not for the forum but for yourselves.

[Gear-ge]

Dear fellow TBHPians,

"Skoda Corporate" is some junior flunky in the labyrinths of yet another arrogant MNC monster called Skoda Auto. Please forgive the poor sod for trying to paste some inanities in these forums and try to pass them off as reasonable replies.

It is appalling that this monster should imagine it can muzzle criticism by suggesting that they can embroil Team-BHP in litigation !! What outrage.

Chin up GTO and others with the guts to tell these worms where to get off. The only way the grievance of Harish-ji can be resolved is if Skoda immediately returns his vehicle to him. Skoda may feel free to dispute what sounds to all of us like extremely watertight evidence of cheating and malpractice by Nummer Eins. They may continue to hide their heads in the sand and pretend that they are actually not taking a position to hide their own role in the whole cheating mess. It is very clear what is happening. Skoda has decided not to acknowledge they tried to short-charge a customer, and will go to any lengths to keep on insisting that they are right.

Skoda seems to have no clue that all of us here are not just exercising use of our vituperative language skills. Guys, when we say we are with Harish, and against Skoda, we mean that we will actually not buy a Skoda product, and each of us will tell at least a dozen of our friends not to touch a Skoda product. We will not do this for just a few days, weeks, or months, Dear Skoda-Corporate, we will go on doing this until we are sure that Harish-ji's vehicle has been returned to him unconditionally.

If it becomes necessary to fight Skoda in the courts of law, we, the members of Team-BHP are willing to contribute to the expenses.

Mods, the moment you are ready and feel it necessary, please put up the bank account details so that we can contribute our little bits towards a battle fund against Skoda.

The red Skoda on the banner of the TBHP search pages is probably there because it has been paid for. Can we at least start a countdown to the number of days left that we are forced to see it up there?

Cheers all.

[adc]

Originally Posted by Gear-ge

The red Skoda on the banner of the TBHP search pages is probably there because it has been paid for. Can we at least start a countdown to the number of days left that we are forced to see it up there? Cheers all.

No I dont subscribe to that , otherwise, would have collected the remaining 2 points and would have myself got out, but definitely there has been a delay which looks to more of a work scheduling problem of the people managing the website on a day-to-day basis, if you would give the benefit of doubt. And remember they too are not paid.

Originally Posted by HappyWheels

Possible. But then, for the un-biased set we are, the car is definitely something anyone would fall in love with, if they just got the A.S.S right!

Well there was not the problem of whether it is good or best, and it was there for quite long and no-one ever thought about it - It is like a symbolic protest that was so natural if someone from Skoda itself comes and threatens to cap a fundamental right.

[Gagan.js]

Originally Posted by Gear-ge

The red Skoda on the banner of the TBHP search pages is probably there because it has been paid for.

Team Bhp does not accept any form of money from any of the car makers. Un-biased forum after all...GTO will tell you all about it

[vkochar]

Originally Posted by Gear-ge

The red Skoda on the banner of the TBHP search pages is probably there because it has been paid for. Can we at least start a countdown to the number of days left that we are forced to see it up there?

We all know that there is no kind of funding that Team BHP receives from any Automobile company.

The only reason that Red Skoda VRS was there was because it still is a very good performer and is a good car to drive.

The process of removing it has already been made I think and very soon we will see something else there.

[navin]

Originally Posted by VahanPujari

The red Skoda on the banner of the TBHP search pages is probably there because it has been paid for. Can we at least start a countdown to the number of days left that we are forced to see it up there?

TBHP is a non-commercial body. TBHP has never and will never accept any gift, monies or financial consideration (direct or indirect) from any company involved in automotive products or enter into any financial transactions or other any other transaction that will suggest that TBHP can be biased.

TBHP stands for the Truth first. Everything else come later. There have been threads where one member has had a bad experience with a certain product and posts his/her opinion/experience. Other members will often relate their experiences good or bad. On the Sony Ericsson thread (link below) for example members posted views contrary to the member who started the thread.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/gadget...rning-all.html

TBHP has no intentions or tendency to put down one manufacturer. If anything many of us prefer cars of European origin over cars from Japan and the Far East.

In Skoda's case Harish has documented his case well. His posts stated facts supported with pictures. Skoda's reaction was unjustified and it was this reaction that upset an alreday upset the TBHP 'family'.

It is now Skoda's responsibility to demonstrate
1. that it can deliver good consistent service at a fair price
2. to ensure that parts used are only original parts and not duplicates or used.
3. that it will take immediate and aggressive action against dealers who do misbehave (after all it is Skoda's name that gets sullied - the dealer like Nummer Eins opens another business within months of being closed down).

Skoda are you listening?

[HappyWheels]

Originally Posted by Gear-ge

...The red Skoda on the banner of the TBHP search pages is probably there because it has been paid for...

Originally Posted by Gagan.js

Team Bhp does not accept any form of money from any of the car makers. Un-biased forum after all...GTO will tell you all about it

Gear-ge,

Great support there, but please do familiarize yourself with the board. T-BHP DOES NOT accept funding from any auto entities, period. GTO has already acknowledged that this has been marked for removal.

Originally Posted by adc

..., but definitely there has been a delay which looks to more of a work scheduling problem of the people managing the website on a day-to-day basis, to give the benefit of doubt. And remember they too are not paid.

Possible. But then, for the un-biased set we are, the car is definitely something anyone would fall in love with, if they just got the A.S.S right!

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Skoda Corporate

Hello all,
for us at Skoda Auto, customer service is of prime importance.
A system is being put in place to address customer service issues online.
Our customer service department will scrutinize each issue and work proactively to resolve them on merit.

That is our commitment to you.
Many thanks,
Skoda.

It's past 11 a.m. on monday already:

1. Has this supposed *customer service system* been put in place? How exactly do your unhappy customers get in touch with Skoda India for a resolution (better buy a lot of bandwidth for that online system!)? What is the guaranteed turn around time? Have you decided - once and for all - whether you are going to side up with the dealer or with the customer?

2. Have all existing employees, who have treated the customer like crap, been disciplined? Have warnings been issued? Have repeat offenders been fired?

3. Have all your rotten dealerships been notified of your supposed new stand? Has clear communication been sent out to them that states their contracts will be renewed on the basis of customer satisfaction rates? Have you implemented a bonus scheme that awards employees / dealerships based on how happy they keep your customers?

4. Has an internal memo / email been sent out right from the top to the bottom of Skoda India, that the customer is the new king? Do you intend to train your employees so that they clearly understand the following:


5. Have Harish, Kapiljolly and a host of other unhappy Skoda customers from Team-BHP been contacted by you? (I know you'd need a mass PM facility for that, considering the number, but we'll discuss that for a later stage).

6. Have you hired a competent manager whose only responsibility is to ensure customer satisfaction? (Please hire someone with the right skills. This PR debacle tells me that there is a little problem at your end in matching skills with responsibilities). Has this person been made accountable for customer satisfaction rates? Do his appraisals, bonuses and future growth depend on customer satisfaction?

7. Have senior management taken time out of their schedule, for a weekly meet, where customer satisfaction trends are analysed? Specific decisions related to serving the customer are taken?

8. Has you taken the advice of someone with wisdom, who told you NOT to interfere with the public's right to freedom of speech?

If you were even a little serious about improving your pathetic customer service (hey, look at the bright side. The only way Skoda can go is up ), you'd have been burning the midnight oil and started implementing all of the above-mentioned points (We've already covered PR, HR and a little bit of operations. Stick with us for a year and you will have a Team-BHP MBA degree!)

If the above-quoted PM is the only thing that has really come out of the weekend, Skoda, you have disappointed the Indian car owner yet again. And Skoda owners (existing & future) will continue to be treated like crap. By your dealerships and your corporate offices.

Originally Posted by palioman

Compared to them poor Fiat look like angels,and you seldom hear of Fiats breaking down or troubling its owners, no wonder we love them even if they are marketing morons.

Fiat is the Taj Hotels equivalent of automotive after-sales, if compared to Skoda.

[vijaythacker]

the behavior from skoda india had put my friends to shock going through this thread who were very sure to buy skoda, booked them and cancelled bookings and went with honda, with feelings that this is not one pays for a new car with brand SKODA.