Team-BHP stands for the TRUTH. But Skoda wants to “instigate” Team-BHP and its users!

sidindica · 28th March 2009, 14:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by madhukar_n

it is a HONDA !!
sorry for this PJ in a serious thread !

don't go by the initials. That's what skoda is.
Don't judge the book by its cover.

In India we need to have a regulatory body (like NHTSA and EPA) which prompts manufacturers to announce recalls for quality problems or poor after sales services provided by the dealers even if there is ONE complaint.

extreme_torque · 28th March 2009, 14:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by anupmathur

Sorry, having been boss for over two decades, maybe I'm forgetting something!
Fry your principles in oil? Sycophancy? ANYTHING to hold on to the seat?

Just what is it you are saying?

Mathur sahab I so wish that everyone had a boss like you and appreciate that you work with principles. But such people are only handful so the basic law is to eat or be eaten.
The best at times you can do is to be politically correct. This doesnt mean i subscribe to it but for some in the world we live in its unavoidable.

kapiljolly79 · 28th March 2009, 14:51

Team Bhpians. I would like ot share a few notes exchanged with Skoda Auto.

Here is one of the emails that had the summary of my case:

Dear Mr.Kulkarni,

We are really surprised to note the casual manner by which you are trying to address our concerns about the car *********.

Do you think that we have no other work but to attend to this car, getting it repaired at Continental Auto again and again and keep on corresponding with you endlessly-?

We would like to bring on record the following facts:-

A-We had purchased this car from Continental Auto and the same has been maintained / serviced solely at Continental Auto through out.
B-Though this car is used by Mr.Kapil Jolly who is based at Rampur, it was always sent to Continental Auto, even for small jobs and we never got it serviced / repaired outside.
C-After each service / repair, we took delivery of the car with full confidence on Continental Auto as it is not possible for any owner / driver to check the work done in the car by an authorized dealer.
D-During one of the service visits we had reported of Side Blinkers not functioning and the car was delivered to us after servicing and correction / rectification of this fault.
E- After running for few days, we noticed some smoke coming out from inside the dash board and the car was promptly sent to Continental Auto during 3rd week of March, 08. After inspection we were told that the Harness Wiring of the car has burnt (which was due to the work of able technicians of Continental Auto who wrapped high current copper wire in place of Fuse when they could not find the fault of side blinkers not functioning) and we should lodge insurance claim for the same.
F-After regular follow up with Skoda Auto India and Continental Auto, the car was finally offered to us for delivery (after about 5 months) on 16th August but when we went to take delivery, we were highly shocked to see the bad condition of the car, please refer our mail of 17th August in this regard.
G-After rectifying the damage done by able engineers of Continental Auto, the car was delivered to us on 25th August but it was sent back to them the very next day on 26th August with “Orange Light glowing, indicating Engine Trouble”.
H-After doing some work here and there on 26th August itself, the car was delivered to us with the assurance that the car is now O.K. and we can safely drive it to Rampur but after running for about 100 Kms, the same fault “Orange Light glowing, indicating Engine Trouble” reappeared.
I-After our various calls and mails, you were kind enough to instruct Continental Auto to send their engineers to Rampur to inspect the Car wherein they came to the conclusion that the Intercooler of the car is Leaky and the car is to be sent back to Continental Auto for rectification.
J-The car was again deposited with Continental Auto on 6th Sept and after rectification it was again delivered to us on 14th Sept with the assurance that the car is now in perfect condition.
K- Surprisingly after driving only few Kms in Delhi, the fault of “Orange Light glowing, indicating Engine Trouble” again reappeared and the car was once again sent back to Continental Auto on 16th Sept and since than the car is lying at Continental Auto.

Keeping in view the above, hope you appreciate and realize that this car has been ruined by able engineers of Continental Auto who have been experimenting on it making it highly unreliable and can put the occupants into serious problem / inconvenience if it is driven on long routes and / or at odd hours.

We are confident that SAIPL a company of great repute fully understand such genuine concerns of consumers and resultant implications very well but we still want to give it another try for which we request for the following:-

(7)Please get the car inspected by factory engineers of Skoda Auto India and provide us their inspection report.
(8)Give us an assurance that in case the same fault reappears, SAIPL will replace the car or refund us the amount paid at the time of its purchase.

Hope you would find our concerns and above requirements very genuine, logical & reasonable and will do the needful ASAP.

Awaiting your positive response,

Best Regards

To this email, there were lots of replies but never were they ready to refund us the amount they charged for the wiring harness. The matter was escalated to the Top Management of the Brand. This was their reply.

madhukar_n · 28th March 2009, 14:58

Well not only skoda.. most of the companies are like that.
there are many cases which will come out... only things is Skoda has gone a step ahead.
in one my friend's case too.. toyota created a lot of problem.. he had to threaten them with putting up a case in the consumer court and then things started happening.
tata(or its dealers) are no less humble. there are many cases like this on safari/sumo/indica. GM too.. i know a friend who has had a rough ride.
but in most cases, those low price cars compared to skoda and also i guess no one bothered to take it heads on !
i dont know if maruti/hyundai have such issues. so far they seem to be the best !

Nutty Nair · 28th March 2009, 15:06

My God, what a shocker this is! And after all they have put Harish ( & others) through, they have the temerity to even suggest that they will sue Team - BHP.
@harish - We are fully with you.

@GTO - You are the man, GTO!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

Let me also release a FIRM PUBLIC WARNING to Skoda Corporate : If you attempt to threaten ANY Team-BHPian, your account will receive a permanent BAN. And yes, if you want to sue me for speaking the truth, be my damn guest.

I think the handling of Harish's case by those bungling idiots in Skoda will be included as a classic case in the syllabi of major B - schools in marketing. Only the title of the chapter will be "Himalayan Blunders made by Indian companies" or "Don't even think of doing such a thing" or maybe "Why Skoda was forced to shut shop in India". I don't think anyone in Skoda India had any idea of the response they will get from Team - BHP nor are they even remotely capable of comprehending the fallout of this fiasco on their bottom line. They seem to be people who have no idea of the passion in which we hold our automobiles.

Like almost all the people in this forum, I am also going to insert this link in my Orkut & other profiles. And also, let me see the automotive blogs here in Kuwait. I will paste this horror story in those blogs also.

psp62in · 28th March 2009, 15:14

I had been reading the threads on the horrible Skoda AS* related issues and I successfully discouraged my family to go in for a Skoda only last month. Oh, after reading this thread I am feeling so much better.
This word of mouth needs to spread further.

anupmathur · 28th March 2009, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nutty Nair

I don't think anyone in Skoda India had any idea of the response they will get from Team - BHP nor are they even remotely capable of comprehending the fallout of this fiasco on their bottom line.

Bang on! They were too busy making ill gotten money to bother with staying in touch!

Smell the coffee now, Meghna!

khan_sultan · 28th March 2009, 15:29

Here are few more examples of how Skoda India treats it's customers -- people who give it bread & butter.

[NOTE: Read at your own discretion. Some of the language used in these honest reviews is very strong]

Skoda India / Laura Complaints - Terrible service!

Skoda told to replace faulty car or pay Rs 11 lakh - The Financial Express

skoda india Complaints - skoda Terrible Service

skoda india Complaints - useless service

Skoda Complaints - POOR AFTER-SALES SERVICE

Skoda India / Laura Complaints - Terrible service!

skoda laura Complaints - VERY POOR SERVICE OF THE DEALER

Mahavir Skoda Complaints - Poor Service and Stealing Items

And here are some more opinions about Skoda A.S.S & Dealer Network

How is skoda laura?can any owners comment? - Yahoo! Answers India

Review on Skoda Octavia,Reviews on Skoda Auto India Pvt ltd,Skoda Octavia Review,Reviews for Skoda Octavia

I hope this should be enough to open the eyes & ears of all people in Skoda. I think Skoda should pay us Team-BHP members for showing them the reality and giving them this invaluable & honest feedback.

isldhn · 28th March 2009, 15:30

Hey guys. I got a stonker of an idea Sirjee. Now that we have to go the courtroom as Madam Ji suggested, why dont we plan an all India T-Bhp meet there

. Lets show them $koda people what the power of unity can bring. And moreover we will all get a chance of feeling proud of our community and make our voice heard not just all over the country but the whole world. Lets "Rang De Basanti".

kapiljolly79 · 28th March 2009, 15:39

You read my mind.

Quote:

Originally Posted by isldhn

Hey guys. I got a stonker of an idea Sirjee. Now that we have to go the courtroom as Madam Ji suggested, why dont we plan an all India T-Bhp meet there

. Lets show them $koda people what the power of unity can bring. And moreover we will all get a chance of feeling proud of our community and make our voice heard not just all over the country but the whole world. Lets "Rang De Basanti".

Ym-enjn · 28th March 2009, 15:43

Suggestion2: May be it is the right time for the real Skoda India and real Meghna to make IDs on T-Bhp and ask our mods to remove all the post from the fake ID from "Skoda Corporate"

Any one else have more suggestions what should Skoda India do to save its face now.

@isldhn: what an idea pal. The great Team-BHP Court meet. Hope the court have enough parking space..

toms_2191 · 28th March 2009, 15:51

dear M/s skoda,

you had a very different perception about indian buyers. you simply cannot throw any thing on us!!. and more over we will not keep quiet or think it as our fate like we use to be. this is a different india dear!!!!!.. beware. there are ready to go up to any extend to get things done ...

DocG · 28th March 2009, 15:53

Having visited the Czech Republic many times, I always knew that Skoda was a two-bit manufacturer who made cheap cars that were never status symbols. I was however shocked to hear of Skoda as a "Luxury" brand in India. HA probably the only market in the world where they can try some brand building post their buyout by VW.

I am under the impression that any cycle repairwalla can set up a skoda auto service centre, sure looks that way!

@Meghna -
Don't worry, some customers were wise to your act before Skoda showed it's true colours, I've always reacted to a Skoda as:

"UuuurghH, you'd be better off with a Hyundai!" [I despise Hyundais as well, but they have better brand appeal than Skoda!]

Frankly you are lucky with these troubled customers maintaining a sense of rationality and still behaving in a civil manner. If you made me run around for a year to fix a car, hell I'd call the press at your doorstep, list my grievances, state your unwillingness to help and then set the said car ablaze!
However that would mean that I would have to own a Skoda in the first place...

Volt · 28th March 2009, 15:58

Does Skoda's response to Kapil mean is that the Czech parent has no control over its India operations other than mentioning issues in 'communications'?

Does that also mean that the India operations guys can jolly well do what they want (how about shooting oneself in the foot, for starters) and the Czechs will only 'communicate'!

I have heard management doublespeak before but this really takes the cake.

jasher26 · 28th March 2009, 16:00

Harish's incident and skodas "PR" comments are the saddest moments in Indian Automobile history

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volt

Does Skoda's response to Kapil mean is that the Czech parent has no control over its India operations other than mentioning issues in 'communications'?

Does that also mean that the India operations guys can jolly well do what they want (how about shooting oneself in the foot, for starters) and the Czechs will only 'communicate'!

I have heard management doublespeak before but this really takes the cake.

its a major cover up

View Poll Results: Should Team-BHP stand up for its right to the freedom of speech? For the TRUTH?
YES	3195	99.35%
NO	21	0.65%
Voters: 3216. You may not vote on this poll

28th March 2009, 14:51	#183
kapiljolly79 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 189 Thanked: 72 Times	Team Bhpians. I would like ot share a few notes exchanged with Skoda Auto. Here is one of the emails that had the summary of my case: Dear Mr.Kulkarni, We are really surprised to note the casual manner by which you are trying to address our concerns about the car ********. Do you think that we have no other work but to attend to this car, getting it repaired at Continental Auto again and again and keep on corresponding with you endlessly-? We would like to bring on record the following facts:- A-We had purchased this car from Continental Auto and the same has been maintained / serviced solely at Continental Auto through out. B-Though this car is used by Mr.Kapil Jolly who is based at Rampur, it was always sent to Continental Auto, even for small jobs and we never got it serviced / repaired outside. C-After each service / repair, we took delivery of the car with full confidence on Continental Auto as it is not possible for any owner / driver to check the work done in the car by an authorized dealer. D-During one of the service visits we had reported of Side Blinkers not functioning and the car was delivered to us after servicing and correction / rectification of this fault. E- After running for few days, we noticed some smoke coming out from inside the dash board and the car was promptly sent to Continental Auto during 3rd week of March, 08. After inspection we were told that the Harness Wiring of the car has burnt (which was due to the work of able technicians of Continental Auto who wrapped high current copper wire in place of Fuse when they could not find the fault of side blinkers not functioning) and we should lodge insurance claim for the same. F-After regular follow up with Skoda Auto India and Continental Auto, the car was finally offered to us for delivery (after about 5 months) on 16th August but when we went to take delivery, we were highly shocked to see the bad condition of the car, please refer our mail of 17th August in this regard. G-After rectifying the damage done by able engineers of Continental Auto, the car was delivered to us on 25th August but it was sent back to them the very next day on 26th August with “Orange Light glowing, indicating Engine Trouble”. H-After doing some work here and there on 26th August itself, the car was delivered to us with the assurance that the car is now O.K. and we can safely drive it to Rampur but after running for about 100 Kms, the same fault “Orange Light glowing, indicating Engine Trouble” reappeared. I-After our various calls and mails, you were kind enough to instruct Continental Auto to send their engineers to Rampur to inspect the Car wherein they came to the conclusion that the Intercooler of the car is Leaky and the car is to be sent back to Continental Auto for rectification. J-The car was again deposited with Continental Auto on 6th Sept and after rectification it was again delivered to us on 14th Sept with the assurance that the car is now in perfect condition. K- Surprisingly after driving only few Kms in Delhi, the fault of “Orange Light glowing, indicating Engine Trouble” again reappeared and the car was once again sent back to Continental Auto on 16th Sept and since than the car is lying at Continental Auto. Keeping in view the above, hope you appreciate and realize that this car has been ruined by able engineers of Continental Auto who have been experimenting on it making it highly unreliable and can put the occupants into serious problem / inconvenience if it is driven on long routes and / or at odd hours. We are confident that SAIPL a company of great repute fully understand such genuine concerns of consumers and resultant implications very well but we still want to give it another try for which we request for the following:- (7)Please get the car inspected by factory engineers of Skoda Auto India and provide us their inspection report. (8)Give us an assurance that in case the same fault reappears, SAIPL will replace the car or refund us the amount paid at the time of its purchase. Hope you would find our concerns and above requirements very genuine, logical & reasonable and will do the needful ASAP. Awaiting your positive response, Best Regards To this email, there were lots of replies but never were they ready to refund us the amount they charged for the wiring harness. The matter was escalated to the Top Management of the Brand. This was their reply. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by khan_sultan : 28th March 2009 at 14:57. Reason: please don't use external editors.*
	() Thanks

28th March 2009, 14:58	#184
madhukar_n BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 395 Thanked: 180 Times	Well not only skoda.. most of the companies are like that. there are many cases which will come out... only things is Skoda has gone a step ahead. in one my friend's case too.. toyota created a lot of problem.. he had to threaten them with putting up a case in the consumer court and then things started happening. tata(or its dealers) are no less humble. there are many cases like this on safari/sumo/indica. GM too.. i know a friend who has had a rough ride. but in most cases, those low price cars compared to skoda and also i guess no one bothered to take it heads on ! i dont know if maruti/hyundai have such issues. so far they seem to be the best !
	() Thanks

28th March 2009, 15:14	#186
psp62in BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 185 Thanked: 23 Times	I had been reading the threads on the horrible Skoda AS* related issues and I successfully discouraged my family to go in for a Skoda only last month. Oh, after reading this thread I am feeling so much better. This word of mouth needs to spread further.
	() Thanks

28th March 2009, 15:29	#188
khan_sultan Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Noida/Bangalore Posts: 4,946 Thanked: 6,469 Times View My Garage	Here are few more examples of how Skoda India treats it's customers -- people who give it bread & butter. [NOTE: Read at your own discretion. Some of the language used in these honest reviews is very strong] Skoda India / Laura Complaints - Terrible service! Skoda told to replace faulty car or pay Rs 11 lakh - The Financial Express skoda india Complaints - skoda Terrible Service skoda india Complaints - useless service Skoda Complaints - POOR AFTER-SALES SERVICE Skoda India / Laura Complaints - Terrible service! skoda laura Complaints - VERY POOR SERVICE OF THE DEALER Mahavir Skoda Complaints - Poor Service and Stealing Items And here are some more opinions about Skoda A.S.S & Dealer Network How is skoda laura?can any owners comment? - Yahoo! Answers India Review on Skoda Octavia,Reviews on Skoda Auto India Pvt ltd,Skoda Octavia Review,Reviews for Skoda Octavia I hope this should be enough to open the eyes & ears of all people in Skoda. I think Skoda should pay us Team-BHP members for showing them the reality and giving them this invaluable & honest feedback. Last edited by khan_sultan : 28th March 2009 at 15:41.
	() Thanks

28th March 2009, 15:30	#189
isldhn BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ludhiana Posts: 285 Thanked: 148 Times	Hey guys. I got a stonker of an idea Sirjee. Now that we have to go the courtroom as Madam Ji suggested, why dont we plan an all India T-Bhp meet there . Lets show them $koda people what the power of unity can bring. And moreover we will all get a chance of feeling proud of our community and make our voice heard not just all over the country but the whole world. Lets "Rang De Basanti".
	() Thanks

28th March 2009, 15:43	#191
Ym-enjn Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jaipur Posts: 1,039 Thanked: 61 Times	Suggestion2: May be it is the right time for the real Skoda India and real Meghna to make IDs on T-Bhp and ask our mods to remove all the post from the fake ID from "Skoda Corporate" Any one else have more suggestions what should Skoda India do to save its face now. @isldhn: what an idea pal. The great Team-BHP Court meet. Hope the court have enough parking space..
	() Thanks

28th March 2009, 15:51	#192
toms_2191 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kannur/Calicut Posts: 136 Thanked: 40 Times	dear M/s skoda, you had a very different perception about indian buyers. you simply cannot throw any thing on us!!. and more over we will not keep quiet or think it as our fate like we use to be. this is a different india dear!!!!!.. beware. there are ready to go up to any extend to get things done ...
	() Thanks

28th March 2009, 15:53	#193
DocG BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Mumbai - Singapore - Cali - Sydney - S.Korea Posts: 870 Thanked: 12 Times View My Garage	Having visited the Czech Republic many times, I always knew that Skoda was a two-bit manufacturer who made cheap cars that were never status symbols. I was however shocked to hear of Skoda as a "Luxury" brand in India. HA probably the only market in the world where they can try some brand building post their buyout by VW. I am under the impression that any cycle repairwalla can set up a skoda auto service centre, sure looks that way! @Meghna - Don't worry, some customers were wise to your act before Skoda showed it's true colours, I've always reacted to a Skoda as: "UuuurghH, you'd be better off with a Hyundai!" [I despise Hyundais as well, but they have better brand appeal than Skoda!] Frankly you are lucky with these troubled customers maintaining a sense of rationality and still behaving in a civil manner. If you made me run around for a year to fix a car, hell I'd call the press at your doorstep, list my grievances, state your unwillingness to help and then set the said car ablaze! However that would mean that I would have to own a Skoda in the first place...
	() Thanks

28th March 2009, 15:58	#194
Volt BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 183 Thanked: 5 Times	Does Skoda's response to Kapil mean is that the Czech parent has no control over its India operations other than mentioning issues in 'communications'? Does that also mean that the India operations guys can jolly well do what they want (how about shooting oneself in the foot, for starters) and the Czechs will only 'communicate'! I have heard management doublespeak before but this really takes the cake. Last edited by Volt : 28th March 2009 at 16:00.
	() Thanks