Auto Manufacturers Aid To Kerala Customers Announced in the form service cost being waved off and donations from certain manufacturers to the CM’s relief fund
Mercedes Customers
In the wake of the grim situation leading to the loss of lives and properties in Kerala, Mercedes-Benz India today announced its contribution as a responsible corporate citizen, to support the relief activities currently undertaken by the authorities in the state. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Mercedes-Benz announced a voluntary contribution of INR 25 Lakhs towards the Chief Minister’s National Relief Fund to support the relief work in the flood affected regions in Kerala. In addition, the dealer partners of Mercedes-Benz India came together to contribute another INR 5 Lakhs to the fund.
In addition, to support the customers during their hour of need, Mercedes-Benz India and its dealer partners from neighbouring states have come forward in deploying their trained technical experts to assist the Kerala dealers in servicing the affected vehicles. This decision is expected to reduce the lead time and result in a faster repair of the vehicles providing some much required relief to the customers.
Daimler Financial Services India is also working on faster processing of insurance formalities of its insured cars. Depending upon the levels of damage incurred to the car, extent of engine damage and policy purchased by the customers etc. the insurance amount would vary.The following are some relief measures from a customer service standpoint:
• Earliest recovery of affected vehicles through our Allianz Global
• Dealer partners in Kerala will waive off towing charges, if applicable, for cars recovered via Allianz Global
• Special discounts for spare parts | Mercedes-Benz will procure parts via air from Germany & Singapore and will not pass on the shipment charges to patrons
• Faster processing of MB insurance claims
• Designated teams created at dealerships across Kerala market affected by flood, for a quicker turnaround time
• Neighbouring dealers to support by providing trained manpower, parts etc.
• Mercedes-Benz Technical Experts to supervise the dealers and also offer consulting to customers whenever required
• In solidarity with the people for their loss inflicted by the natural calamity, dealer partners in Kerala will not celebrate Onam
TVS
TVS Motor Company today contributed Rs. 1 crore to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), in lieu of the distressing flood situation in Kerala. The cheque was handed over to Kerala Chief Minister Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan by Mr. Swaran Singh, CEO, Srinivasan Services Trust (SST)- the social arm of TVS Motor Company in Thiruvananthapuram. Over the past years, SST and TVS Motor Company have been actively involved in providing relief to victims of natural calamities across the country.
Hyundai Customers
Hyundai today announced to create Hyundai Relief task Force to enhance the scope of activities and services for vehicle owners affected by the untimely floods in Kerala. Hyundai has stationed dedicated emergency road service team to support the flood affected customers/ vehicles along with 38 flatbed trucks and 32 Towing Trucks to assist customers in Kerala.
In addition, Senior executives of the company, Mr. Stephen Sudhakar J, Sr. Vice President and Mr. Y.S. Chang, Sr. GM (South Zone-Business Head) met the Honorable Chief Minister of Kerala Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan at the secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram today, on behalf of Mr. Mr. Y K Koo, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, to hand over the cheque of Rs. 1 Crore Rupees to towards the Kerala’s Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).
In order to ensure the availability of services in every part of the city Hyundai has activated a toll free number (0124-4343937) for towing the vehicles and over 100 technicians will assist the vehicle owners by offering timely delivery. Special discounts on parts are being offered on repairs/ restorations of flood affected vehicles along with 50% discount on depreciation on insurance claims.
Volkswagen Customers
Due to heavy torrential rains that lashed the city of Kerala and the subsequent water logging condition, Volkswagen has announced free road-side assistance and special initiatives in support of affected customers.
Customers in Kerala can avail the free road-side assistance by dialing 1800 102 1155 or 1800 419 1155. Under road-side assist, affected cars would be transported free of cost to the nearest Volkswagen dealer. To ensure customer support at this crucial time, Volkswagen has issued flood-repair guidelines across dealerships for a standardized repair approach and has geared-up technical support staff and parts supply chain in the region. All affected customer vehicles will also be supported with benefits on the service repair invoice by Volkswagen dealer partners in Kerala. The Volkswagen team is closely monitoring the status of all vehicles under repair to ensure quality repair and necessary actions.
BMW Customers
BMW India has announced special aftersales support for flood-affected BMW customers in Kerala. A special task force of certified technicians and service advisors has been deployed at various service points for a wide variety of comprehensive checks to bring vehicles back on roads. BMW India has also prioritized ordering of all spare parts for Kerala dealership workshops to support flood-affected vehicles while off-the-shelf arrangements are also being made for parts supply over the counter as needed.
Additionally, a complimentary Road Side Assistance has been put in action to assist with towing operations in the city for BMW vehicles affected due to flooding. The lead-time for various service repairs has also been reduced with additional technical resources, service consultants and dedicated CRM staff for keeping the customers informed on the repair status.
In regards to the insurance process, both BMW Authorized dealers and BMW India have arranged daily visits of surveyors of both BMW partnered and non-BMW collaborated insurance companies. This will provide ground support for faster assessment and processing of insurance formalities.
BMW India urges its customers to be cautious while driving during heavy rains and around waterlogged areas. Customers are advised not to attempt to re-start the engine of a stalled vehicle to avoid damages to engine. Affected customers can call BMW Roadside Assistance at 18001032211 for assistance.
Nissan/Datsun Customers
Special emergency repair teams have been set up and additional trained manpower will be deployed from dealerships in neighbouring states to expedite turnaround time for the repairs. Free towing service is being offered and repairs will be carried out under the guidance of Nissan technical experts.
Nissan India has also issued an essential safety advisory through customer care and has set up a 24*7 special desk (Helpdesk Support Number: 022-62613360) for faster insurance claims and settlement for flood-affected vehicles. In addition, exclusive bays have been assigned for customers across Nissan and Datsun workshop in Kerala. For more details and support, customers can call the 24*7 toll-free helpline number 18002093456.
Tata Customers
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle division has decided to offer free of cost towing assistance to all rain affected Tata Motors Cars and UVs. Customers of Kerala are informed through SMS on precautions to be taken care on vehicles in this kind of situation. Any affected customer can contact Tata Motors’ Toll free assistance number 1802097979 and get his vehicle towed to nearest Tata Motors Authorized workshop. This assistance will be provided once the situation in Kerala becomes transport worthy. We hope with this gesture we will be able to serve the customer in this need of hour.
