[Resolved]  Maruti Suzuki — Delay in DZire Delivery

I booked Swift Dzire @ Indus Motors, Cochin on 12th April 2008, paying Rs. 50000/- as the booking amount.
At the time of booking I was assured the delivery within 5 months, which I understand as I am one among many who “desire” to own this swift model. Please also note that I was upgrading my existing 3 years old Swift for this new model.

I did a mistake of not following up for first five months about the status. I was shocked to listen another 4 months probable waiting period when I checked the status in August. Many advised me to do a serious follow up as there are incidents of shifting priorities of confirmed bookings for better margins at many dealer places. When enquired about my number going low in priority list, I was given a funny story – the sales executive who took my booking was resigned, and there were nobody to follow up my booking to get the priority. After that I keep on tracking my booking status, tried putting pressure from all known sources, finally I was advised to keep the finance ready as the vehicle will be delivered within a weeks time – this happened September last week. I had a tough time to get the loan approved from a nationalised bank within a week, but could get the DD ready in my hand. But it was only waiting after that, every day speaking to the sales manager in Indus Motors to hear that the vehicle is yet to come. On 6th October, I made an effort to talk to the concerned people in relevant department, and they gave me the dispatch details with engine & chasis number. As per that it was despatched on 20th september from Maruti Goregaon. I am told that the dispatch is made thru ship (from Goregaon?!!!), and that’s the reason for delay. They made it very clear that they are not responsible for this delay, and neither they nor Maruti people can give me the status of the shipment and when the vehicle will be delivered.

And the latest - today’s news - is that the vehicle just arrived their dock yard, but without the keys..!!! I am again asked to wait some more days till they make alternate arrangements/ get fresh set of keys from Maruti. I am really scared how long that is going to take… will come in another ship.??.!!

Probably my plight is not a matter of concern to Maruti dealer, but I wonder whether Maruti approach it with the same attitude. I am sitting with the DD for the amount, paying the interest; gone the auspicious time I wanted to take the delivery, I better should have checked with the astrologer first on the status of shipment.

Who is responsible for the whole thing? Is it only my fate or can I confidently approach Maruti for a proper response? Really their dealer does not have any responsibility on the whole issue? I expected somebody from their office to speak to me atleast once in a month after my booking is made, to update the status. Or is it because they pushed down my priority number for other bookings that are “properly followed up”? To my understanding none of Maruti dealers in Cochin have a booking made in April, which is not delivered for the same model.

Can anybodye help me to get my questions answered, and how can I escalate to higher authorities in Maruti?