Auto giants have donated towards relief funds or are providing customers with services in order to help them after the flooding and damage caused by Cyclone Michaung in Tamil Nadu.
TVS Motor Company said it has donated Rs 3 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund which will be used to provide necessary flood relief and support for the communities that have been badly affected by the cyclone
The two-wheeler company said it is committed to helping the displaced rebuild their lives and to support the immediate relief and rehabilitation work being done by the government.
“The floods have unleashed severe hardship on the community, and we would like to do our part to support the community,” Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor said in a statetement. “This will augment the tireless efforts of the government and the resilient people of Tamil Nadu to restore normalcy.”
It added that it would also offer additional service support for its customers in the flood hit districts of Tamil Nadu.
Ashok Leyland, the flagship commercial vehicle manufacturer of the Hinduja Group also donated Rs 3 crore to the CM’s Relief Fund towards relief work and humanitarian aid for the flood-affected areas in the aftermath of Michaung cyclone.
“We are deeply saddened by the havoc caused by the cyclonic storm and the incessant rains that has affected the life of many people in Chennai and adjoining districts,” Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said. “Ashok Leyland has always been supporting the initiatives taken by the Government during any such calamity and we stand committed to continue this support this time as well.”
Apart from donations, other companies like Suzuki Motorcycle, Nissan Motor India and Tata Motors announced service offerings meant to help those in such regions.
Nissan Motor India announced a comprehensive package of support services for customers with Nissan cars impacted by Cyclone Michaung in Chennai.
The company announced initiatives like a special helpdesk and call centre to assist Chennai flood-affected vehicle customers. It said customers can reach out for support by contacting the call centre at 18002093456 or connect with the nearest Nissan service centre. Further, it said it would provide free towing vehicles support through its Roadside Assistance (RSA) service as well as providing claim filing assistance wherein channel partners will pay the fees for filing an insurance claim, up to Rs 1000/- for their customers.
In addition to this, Nissan said Chennai customers can avail a 10% discount on the floor carpet replacement during service for the next two months as well as having all Nissan workshops in Chennai operate with extended working hours, from 8:00am to 8:00pm. The company also said its customers in Chennai can avail a 10% discount on the engine oil and filter replacement service for the next two months.
Tata Motors too said the company has implemented a comprehensive service plan which will be available across the Tata Motors passenger vehicles and electric vehicles range.
The services include the company extending the Standard warranty period, extended warranty period, annual maintenance contract period, and free service period* for vehicles in the affected region. This extension applies to contracts expiring between 01.12.2023 to 15.12.2023 and will be valid until 31.12.2023.
Tata Motors also said a dedicated emergency road assistance team has been established to handle cases, prioritizing them based on customer call dates and area accessibility. It has also activated a 24×7 helpdesk which is reachable at 1800-209-8282 to assist customers in distress. Customers can also avail towing support to the nearest dealership. Tata Motors’ support initiatives will remain available until 31.12.2023.
Suzuki Motorcycle India, the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation also announced free service support for its customers in the city.
The company said it has activated its Dealer Network in Chennai and other affected towns assist the customers with a free comprehensive checkup of their flood affected vehicles. Furthermore, the company said it will also support in free replacement of specific consumables – engine oil, engine oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, & spark plug in case if they have been impacted by the flood. These services are open to Suzuki Motorcycle customers in Chennai till end of the month.
“As a measure to mitigate impact this may have had on some of our customers’ vehicles, we have announced a Special Service Campaign under which we are offering a comprehensive check-up apart from substantial support on labour and spare parts depending upon the severity of the impact each vehicle has had to withstand,” Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India said.
