Unpleasant Experience for Bengaluru Man as ‘Defective’ Tata Nexon Sparks Controversy; Legal Action on the Horizon

In a recent turn of events, a Bengaluru resident, Sharath Kumar, has found himself entangled in a disheartening situation after receiving what he claims to be a ‘defective’ Tata Nexon from a reputable showroom. The incident has gained considerable attention, prompting both the dealership, Prerana Motors, and Tata Motors to respond to the customer’s grievances. As the matter escalates, Kumar has expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposed solutions and has declared his intent to pursue legal action.

The Unfortunate Encounter

Kumar took to social media, specifically Instagram, to share his ordeal, revealing that his family’s dreams were shattered when he went to take delivery of his Tata Nexon Facelift Automatic Petrol Fearless Plus, valued at Rs 18.2 lakhs. According to him, the dealer, Prerana Motors, located in Yelahanka, failed to conduct a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) or quality control (QC) before registering the vehicle in his name. This alleged oversight left Kumar with a vehicle riddled with issues.

Allegations of Negligence

In the detailed video shared by Kumar on Instagram, he accuses Prerana Motors of attempting to sell him a defective Nexon Facelift without conducting essential inspections. His caption on the video states, “Prerana Motors, Yelahanka, tried to sell me a defective Nexon Facelift vehicle without doing PDI or any QC of the vehicle they registered in my name.” The gravity of the situation is underscored by the array of problems highlighted by Kumar.

List of Issues

The video showcases Kumar meticulously pointing out various flaws in the Tata Nexon, including water-filled headlights, scratches on the front bumper, quarter panel, and tailgate frame, as well as issues with welding and improperly fitted door rubber beading. These issues collectively cast a shadow over the perceived quality of the vehicle and have undoubtedly left the customer deeply dissatisfied.

Inadequate Responses

Upon discovering these issues, Kumar promptly contacted both Prerana Motors and Tata Motors, expecting a swift resolution. However, he alleges that neither the dealership nor the company has taken sufficient steps to address the concerns. Instead, the proposed solution involved accepting a repaired vehicle with a two-year extended warranty, an option Kumar found unsatisfactory.

Social Media Uproar

Frustrated with the handling of his grievances, Kumar took to Instagram to share his experience, accompanied by the video detailing the defects in his newly purchased Nexon. The post gained significant traction, accumulating over 6.5 million likes and drawing attention not only from fellow consumers but also from Tata Motors itself.

Company’s Apology and Customer’s Response

In response to the viral video, Tata Nexon’s official social media handle issued an apology. The comment read, “Hi Sharath, our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. Please share your primary & alternate contact number via DM, so we can have the relevant team assist you soon.” Despite this response, Kumar remained dissatisfied, expressing his discontent and stating his intention to take the matter to court. He noted ongoing discussions with Prerana Motors’ CEO and Tata Motors’ Zonal Manager but emphasized his dissatisfaction with the proposed solutions.

Public Reactions

The incident sparked a wave of responses from other individuals on Instagram, sharing their own experiences with Tata vehicles and providing advice. One user emphasized the importance of a pre-delivery checkup, stating, “That’s why PDI is a must before loan disbursement and down payment; you should have rejected the car in PDI itself.” Others shared similar sentiments, encouraging Kumar not to give up and recommending legal recourse through the consumer court.

Importance of PDI and Customer Satisfaction

Several comments highlighted the significance of a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and customer satisfaction in the automotive industry. One individual shared a positive experience with a Tata dealership in Lucknow, emphasizing the importance of choosing a reliable showroom. The comment stated, “I also have a Tata car, but when we were going to buy it, we searched for a good showroom, so we purchased from Goldrush Tata Lucknow. The service of Goldrush is the best, and they take care of customer satisfaction. They called me for PDI (pre-delivery inspection) and installed all accessories and music system display in front of me.”

Advice and Empathy

Other comments offered advice and empathy, with one user encouraging Kumar not to relent, saying, “Go to consumer court. Don’t give up.” The shared experiences and support from fellow consumers highlight the broader issue of customer satisfaction and the need for transparency and accountability in the automotive retail sector.

Conclusion

As the controversy surrounding the ‘defective’ Tata Nexon unfolds, it raises important questions about the responsibilities of dealerships and manufacturers in ensuring the quality and satisfaction of their customers. Sharath Kumar’s decision to take the matter to court signifies the gravity of the situation and the potential implications for the involved parties. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent quality control measures, transparent dealings, and effective customer support in maintaining the reputation of automotive brands in the market. The coming legal proceedings will undoubtedly shed more light on the intricacies of the case and may set a precedent for how such issues are handled in the future.

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