I would like to post 2 links to threads regarding skoda auto india and their service center practices in india which have been posted in an indian auto forum please be patient and go through the many posts in the 2 threads which brings out the skoda auto india service center malpractices and their shoddy treatment of customers- like they say it only happens in india

Skoda dealer changes parts in my car = Consumer Court = Car not returned in a YEAR! - Team-BHP

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

i know such a thing wont happen in europe but if it did what would you people in europe have done in a similar situation

Who would have thought that these sorts of things can be allowed to happen.

Skoda has been in India for over 10 years. Over this time their cars developed a reputation for being solid and their turbo diesel engine version of the Octavia was well recieved. However Skoda India has had more than it's share of service related comlaints.

From poor customer interaction, to poorer diagnosis of problems, to (in some cases) complete apathy for the customer. All this is exaberated by spare parts that are expensive and have poorer life than their Japanese or Korean counterparts (read as Honda, Toyota, Hyundai) of even some of the German marques (Daimler-Benz for example).

Team-bhp (TBHP) where I have been a member for over 5 years is a website that refuses funding from any company involved in the auto industry be it a car manufacturer or cars accessories/parts manufacturer. This is done so that the members do not feel pressured or biased towards any one manufacturer.

When the Octavia vRS (1.8 Tpi) was first introduced in India it becuase a favourite amogst the enthusiasts on TBHP. As it was India's first relatively affordable (under $30,000) 'sports/enthusiasts car' TBHP decided to use it on it's mast head.

However over the years the number of complaints on TBHP and other websites against the dealers of Skoda India and against Skoda India itself has grown disproportionately to the number of cars Skoda India sells in India. In India Honda, Hyundai, and Suzuki (represented in India by Maruti) sell many more cars than Skoda yet the number of complaints against Skoda is more than any of these manufacturers.

India is burdened by a lethargic leagal system. Legal cases can take years to resolve.

When one customer decided enough was enough and decided to press charges against Skoda's dealer (Nummer Eins) he got a lot of promises from Skoda India but no resolution to his problems. Instead Skoda India refused to return the customer's car and the car is still with Skoda India (for over a year now). Cars depreciate in value very fast. Coupled by the fact the the Indian legal system is slow and pondering, by the time this case is resolved the car might have to be junked.

Out of frustration this customer had his story published in the press and later on TBHP. (the first link posted by dockap)

On TBHP there was an outcry. Skoda India tried to threaten/scare TBHP into removing this story despite the fact that the customer had substantiated his story with pictures and a comphrehensive list of Skoda representatives who he had corresponded with (either vide letter or in person). (see the second link posted by dockap).

On both threads TBHP members have outlined what they consider to be a fair settlement

1. Resolve the issues faced by this customer by giving him a new car for all the troubles he has faced and the fact that he has not had use of his car for over a year now

2. Withdraw it's threats to the community of members of TBHP

3. Put in place a set of concrete and visible steps to (a) improve diagnosis ( reduce spare parts cost and © improve the longevity of the parts used along with other systems and processes that raise the after sales service of Skoda cars to at least that of it's peers - Honda, Toyota, Hyundai.

The communtity at TBHP is not attempting at singling out just Skoda India. We would like to continue to enjoy Skoda cars (the new Superb had also been well recieved at TBHP) it is just that we are adamant that if Skoda India intends to say in India for the long term, Skoda India improve the quality and speed and cost of it's after sales service. It that too much to ask?

Edited 9 April, 200917 yr by navin

Here's another story about Skoda India malpractises...:thumbdwn:

Autocar India Forums: SKODA - Terrible Experience

For some more:

Indian Consumer Complaints Forum | skoda

When will Skoda learn???

Edited 29 August, 200916 yr by Schuey