The Chennai Consumer Commission has ordered Skoda Auto India to refund Rs 16.73 lakh to a customer who purchased a faulty Skoda Kushaq SUV. The customer had complained that the vehicle had several defects, including a faulty engine, transmission, and infotainment system. Despite repeated complaints to the company, the issues were not resolved, prompting the customer to file a complaint with the consumer commission.
The commission found that Skoda Auto India had failed to provide a defect-free vehicle to the customer, which is a fundamental right of a consumer. The company was also found to have failed to provide adequate after-sales service, which is a critical aspect of the overall ownership experience. The commission observed that the customer had suffered significant inconvenience and financial loss due to the company’s negligence.
The commission ordered Skoda Auto India to refund the entire purchase price of the vehicle, which is Rs 16.73 lakh, to the customer. The company was also directed to pay an additional amount of Rs 50,000 as compensation for the mental agony and hardship caused to the customer. Furthermore, the company was ordered to pay Rs 10,000 towards the cost of litigation.
This order is a significant victory for the customer and a setback for Skoda Auto India. It highlights the importance of providing defect-free products and adequate after-sales service to customers. The consumer commission’s order also sends a strong message to manufacturers that they will be held accountable for any lapses in quality and service.
The case is a reminder that consumers have the right to seek redressal for any defects or issues with their vehicles. It also underscores the need for manufacturers to have robust quality control measures in place and to provide timely and effective after-sales service to customers. Skoda Auto India will likely appeal the order, but for now, the customer has been vindicated, and the company has been held accountable for its failures.
The Chennai Consumer Commission’s order is a testament to the effectiveness of consumer protection laws in India. It demonstrates that consumers have access to a robust and independent dispute resolution mechanism that can hold manufacturers accountable for their actions. The order will likely have implications for the automotive industry as a whole, and manufacturers will need to take note of the commission’s findings and take steps to improve their quality and service standards.