To create a well-organized and engaging ownership review of the Tata Punch EV Adventure, I’ll summarize the content with proper headings and include the questions asked and Rishabh’s corresponding answers.
Ownership Review of the Tata Punch EV Adventure
In this ownership review, we talk with Rishabh, a Tata Punch EV Adventure owner who has driven 9,000 kilometers in just over two months. Rishabh shares his experiences with the vehicle, focusing on its performance, the challenges he faced with the dealership, and his thoughts on Tata Motors’ service.
Introduction to the Owner and Vehicle
Question: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your vehicle?
Answer: Rishabh is a business owner who recently purchased a Tata Punch EV Adventure SLR (Long Range) with a sunroof. He chose this EV because of his high daily running needs, having previously owned two other vehicles. Rishabh has driven 9,000 kilometers in two months.
Initial Impressions and Reason for Choosing an EV
Question: Why did you decide to buy an EV, and why specifically the Tata Punch EV?
Answer: Rishabh’s decision to buy an EV was due to his high running needs. Initially, he considered the MG electric vehicle, but he chose Tata Punch EV because it is an Indian brand, built on a dedicated electric platform, and offers good durability and comfort. He trusted Tata’s reputation for making reliable vehicles.
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Vehicle Purchase Experience
Question: How was your experience purchasing the Tata Punch EV?
Answer: Rishabh had a challenging experience purchasing his vehicle. Despite making an advance payment and scheduling delivery for April 10th, he faced several issues, including his car being delivered in a dirty condition and the dealership not providing promised services such as insurance and extended warranty. He also had problems with incorrect registration and feedback manipulation by the dealership.
Driving Experience and Performance
Question: How has your driving experience been with the Tata Punch EV?
Answer: Rishabh finds the car’s driving comfort to be very good. It is smooth, powerful, and comfortable, especially for long-distance travels. Initially, he got a range of 320-330 kilometers before the first service. However, after the service, the range dropped significantly, causing dissatisfaction.
Question: How is the range after the services, and what kind of driving do you usually do?
Answer: After the first service, Rishabh noticed a drop in range to around 230-240 kilometers when using a slow charger, and even less with a fast charger. He typically drives on highways and uses cruise control to maintain consistent speed and maximize range.
Issues with the Dealership and Service Experience
Question: Can you describe the problems you faced with the dealership and service?
Answer: Rishabh detailed numerous issues with the dealership, including the failure to activate the Z Connect feature, delivering the car in a dirty condition, and forcing him to sign a blank feedback form. The dealer also manipulated his contact details and falsely reported to Tata Motors that his complaints were resolved.
Question: How did Tata Motors respond to your complaints about the dealership?
Answer: Despite Rishabh’s repeated complaints to Tata Motors, there was no satisfactory action taken against the dealership. The dealer continued to exhibit poor practices without consequence, leading Rishabh to feel that the dealership was certain no action would be taken against them.
Charging and Maintenance Issues
Question: What kind of maintenance issues have you encountered?
Answer: Rishabh reported that after the first service, the car’s range significantly dropped. When he complained, the dealer blamed his driving style. Additionally, he had issues with the charging gun not releasing properly, which required intervention from the service center, and problems with the adaptive insurance not being recognized correctly.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Question: What is your overall impression of the Tata Punch EV after 9,000 kilometers?
Answer: Rishabh’s experience is mixed. While he is satisfied with the car’s performance and comfort, he is very disappointed with the dealership’s service and Tata Motors’ lack of response to his complaints. He believes that Tata needs to audit its dealers more thoroughly to ensure customer satisfaction.
Final Verdict
Rishabh’s experience highlights both the strengths and areas for improvement for Tata Punch EV and Tata Motors’ dealership network. While the vehicle itself meets his expectations in terms of performance and comfort, the poor service and lack of support from the dealership have significantly affected his ownership experience.
It sounds like Rishabh had a very frustrating experience with his Tata Punch EV and the dealership involved. Based on his detailed account, several issues have clearly affected his ownership experience:
1. Poor Delivery Condition
Rishabh’s car was delivered in a dirty condition and without a full battery charge, reflecting poorly on the dealership’s customer service and preparation. This left him with an unfavorable first impression of the dealership’s professionalism and attention to detail.
2. Incorrect Insurance
The car, which should have been insured as an adaptive vehicle, was insured as a normal vehicle. This could lead to significant issues if a claim needs to be made, as the insurance may not be valid for the specific vehicle type. This oversight from the dealership added unnecessary stress and potential risk for Rishabh.
3. Unfulfilled Promises
The dealership promised Rishabh an extended warranty and other services that were not honored. This lack of fulfillment not only added to his frustration but also led to a growing distrust in the dealership’s reliability and integrity.
4. Feedback Manipulation
The dealership apparently coerced Rishabh into providing feedback and filled out forms using their staff’s contact information instead of his. This behavior is unethical and violates standard customer service practices, further diminishing his trust in the dealership.
5. Poor Service and Mismanagement
Rishabh experienced repeated issues with the dealership’s service, including improper handling of vehicle settings that led to a significant decrease in the car’s mileage. Coupled with unprofessional handling of his complaints, this demonstrates a lack of accountability and poor management within the dealership.
6. Lack of Support from Tata Motors
Despite Rishabh’s multiple complaints and escalations to higher authorities within Tata Motors, there seems to be no resolution, which is very concerning. This lack of effective customer support and service auditing from Tata Motors has further added to his dissatisfaction.
Suggestions for Addressing the Situation:
Based on Rishabh’s experiences, here are some potential steps he could consider to address these issues:
- Document Everything: Rishabh should keep detailed records of all communications with the dealership and Tata Motors, including emails, call recordings, and written correspondence. These records will be crucial if he decides to take legal action or escalate the matter further.
- Escalate to Higher Authorities: If he hasn’t already, Rishabh might consider escalating the matter to the highest levels within Tata Motors. Contacting the company’s customer relations department or writing to their head office could yield better results.
- Seek Legal Advice: Given the numerous issues, especially with the incorrect insurance, it may be beneficial for Rishabh to consult with a lawyer. A legal professional could guide him on the appropriate legal channels to pursue a claim against the dealership and Tata Motors.
- Leverage Social Media and Public Forums: Sharing his grievances on social media or automobile forums might bring additional pressure on Tata Motors to resolve the issue. Companies often respond more swiftly when their public image is at risk.
- Consider Consumer Protection Bodies: Rishabh might also consider filing a formal complaint with a consumer protection body or ombudsman, which can take up his case if the company fails to address his grievances.
- Join EV Communities: Joining an EV community could provide Rishabh with support and guidance from other EV owners who have faced similar issues. These communities often share valuable advice on dealing with common problems.
Rishabh’s experience highlights the need for better customer service and accountability in the automotive industry, particularly as electric vehicles become more common. Hopefully, by taking these steps, he can reach a resolution and hold the dealership accountable for their actions.