Hi, I am an unfortunate customer of a SKODA vehicle. Three months back I have taken a Skoda Fabia (AP 11 AG 6458). Mistakenly, I lost the Vehicle Manual (Including Sevice schedule and Stereo manual). Immediately I have contacted M/s Mahaveer Auto who is authorized dealer here in Hyderabad. They have assured me of arranging another one, but even after 2 months, they could not arrange the Manual.

Since I lost the manual at very beginning, I could not understand certain functions of the vehicle. The power windows work differently. Some times, they go up and down automatically with one click, and some times we have to press and hold the button. The ‘Stereo’ has become a big joke in my life. It automatically changes FM Stations after playing few seconds. I could not save the stations, and my children are very much dissatisfied with it. Still I do not understand some buttons on the dash board.

On Nov, 2nd, they called me to attend a ‘Grahak Labh Programme’ (I would like to rename it as ‘Grahak Nuksan Programme). There I requested each and every one (Dealer) for arranging a Manual for the vehicle. They assured me that Manual is treated as a spare part and I have to purchase it. I said I am ready to purchase it. But no body could arrange a copy of the Manual so far. I have made umpteen numbers of calls, and each time they say, they will get it and they call me back. I have tried calling Mr. Hari, who is service in-charge, but he never picks up his phone. If at all somebody picks up his phone, they say, they will pass on this information to Mr. Hari, who never called me back. I might have called him more than 100 times, and only Once I could talk to him, (apart from the request I made on Nov, 2nd) and a couple of times, others spoke on his behalf. Likewise, I have called Mr. Ravikant, who is a Sales Executive. Before purchase, he used to call me frequently. Once I took the vehicle, he stopped calling me. I have requested him many times regarding the lost Manual. Every time he says, he will speak to Mr. Hari, and will get back to me. But he never got back to me. Instead I called him many times. Once Mr. Ravikant assured me to arrange a Manual from the Demo vehicle, but he could not fulfill this also.

Few days back, Ms. Geetha from Skoda Call Centre, Bangalore called me for normal enquiry. I expressed all my dissatisfaction towards the dealership here. She assured me of arranging a copy within 3 working days. Unfortunately, even after 7 working days, she could not arrange one. At that time, I advised her not to assure me, because, I know how irresponsible, the Skoda people here, and they will not hear her request also. But she made an assurance, but she could fulfill it. Before purchasing, one my friends, has also advised me of ‘Poor servicing facilities’, but I did not consider him. Now I am feeling sorry for that.

My point is not on getting a copy of the manual. My point is the attention they are paying on this issue from a customer. Today, it is a small issue and the vehicle is moving. Tomorrow, if I come across a big issue, and my vehicle is stopped, what I have to do? On 2nd November, in the Grahak Labh Programme, they have assured of ‘Good Servicing Facilities’. Do they consider this is the Good service they offer? Therefore, Friends, before going for a SKODA, make sure, the service personnel are easily accessible or not. Good Luck.

Balakrishna .V
09849152790