Nightmare with Skoda and its dealer

I honestly think that this issue of a certain forum (T-BHP) being "threatened" by Skoda is wildly exaggerated. Upon looking at the thread referred to by Binoy, all that has happened is that Skoda's representative has issued a warning to T-BHP that the matter is sub-judice and publishing "incomplete" and "one-sided" information could get T-BHP and its members "instigated" in the ongoing court case.

The use of the word "instigated" is simply a case of wrong English. What the Skoda representative (a lady named Meghna) probably meant was to give a warning that T-BHP and its members could get dragged into the court case. Fair enough. Personally I wouldn't want to be dragged into this mess at any cost -- I have too many important things to do in life.

Looking at the facts of the case, it is clear that Harish started the legal proceedings, not Skoda. And he did it even while the car was being repaired by Skoda. Under the circumstances, I do not see how anybody can blame Skoda for fighting the case on its legal merits rather than make any concessions to Harish, which could adversely implicate Skoda in the case. Note: here I am making a distinction between Skoda and its dealer, Nummer Eins.

Yet I see that one of the main grouses of the T-BHP moderator-in-chief is that Skoda is fighting the case in court! What does he expect Skoda to do if it is sued by somebody, roll over and meekly accept a (probably) huge liability? That is not the way large corporations operate, either in India or abroad. Here I am not talking just about Rs 4 lakhs worth of parts, which is a relatively small amount. Skoda could end up having to pay heavy damages, and also suffer a grievous blow to its reputation. All I can say to the moderator in question is, wake up and see how the real world operates.

Herish had the option to settle this out of court with Skoda and walk off with his car in good shape. He chose to take the legal route. If, as he is asserting, he is fighting for a larger cause, then all the best to him. Having done that, no one can cry foul if Skoda puts up a legal fight. Now it is up to Harish to present as good a case as he can and hope for the best. And in my opinion, going to forums and trying to whip up popular sentiment against Skoda will not necessarily help him and could even hurt his case.

Feroz the issue arose because the 'dealer' happened to be 'skoda' itself !(the management of the dealer was employed by the sokda India itself.

The dealeship has since been closed.(not because of this issue par se from what i can gather).

Your observation on the prominance of the CW forums is quite right and makes it all the more essential to keep and improve out own quality.

Hi Srinivasan,

Harish's case is well reported in the media. Hence I feel posting it in the forums is not going to weaken the case. I feel T-BHP has given fair opportunity to Skoda rep. to put their views in the forum. Instead of using that opportunity, they have taken shelter under court proceedings and instigated the forum members with court cases. It is strange that Skoda rep. can't even use more proper English. Even after long legal battles, there were many instances of out of court settlement involving big corporates. I think Skoda is hell bent upon causing more damage to their reputaation by their own actions.

I think we should concentrate on discussing the nightmare Harish had for purchasing a car, just like one of us; whether skoda warned a forum for 'instigation' is another matter.

The matter here is the relation of a consumer with the seller. As this is of utmost importance while choosing a car, there is nothing wrong in referring the case of Harish for taking appropriate decision. One can see many a members issuing warning through posts against certain dealers due to their bad experience with them.

And the statement that all corporate fight legally for each and every dispute is not true. The fact is that only un settled matters come out to public.

UPDATE

Initially we thought Skoda was moving in a positive direction to make amends. Does not look like they are bothered.

We have collectively decided to proceed with our class action law suit against Skoda.

Harish, I have edited your post & copied/replaced the text from the other thread for more clarity.  I have suitably edited the other post also.  Please don't mind.

I request if you could elaborate a little further.  Take your time.  Thanks.

Mr. Harish,

It's really a jolting & traumatic experience!!

Could you please share how you discovered the counterfeits? I hope I have not missed out on this in your post, if I have, pls ignore this question. I was just curious to know because I have just taken the delivery of my car after second free service, & would like to know if there is any way of recognising the counterfeits from the original ones.

Wish you all the best in your efforts.

Rishita

I recognised the mirrors having been changed. I also happened to know someone who was working there who tipped me off about their regular clandestine activities.

Rest of it was discovered by skoda engineer surabhi when he opened up the car.  

An update from my side as well.

We spoke to someone at senior level in Skoda and he refused to comment on the matter. He is not interested in responding to Harish on any of the public forums.

That's absurd.  Does that infer that they have nothing to contend?