Deepika Agrawal 
As Cyclone Michaung hit the southern coast of India on Tuesday, it battered the livelihoods of those living in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Its arrival was preceded by torrential rains and flooding, leading to severe damage to human lives, nature and properties. Many people remained stranded in their vehicles while many parked cars were submerged in waist-deep flood water and got swept away. Carmakers such as Audi, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, Hyundai and Volkswagen have extended their support to the affected customers.
The automakers are offering free Roadside Assistance (RSA) including servicing, repairs, towing, accommodation and travel, among other facilities. Volkswagen and Audi have extended the RSA support for their flood affected customers in Chennai. Volkswagen is also providing customers with a priority comprehensive service check to ensure timely repair of flood-related damages. The company has issued standardized repair guidelines across its dealerships.
Hyundai Motor India has assembled a special task force to provide free RSA to customers in Tamil Nadu. The company is also providing 50% support on depreciation amount on insurance claims of flood affected customer vehicles. Further, its onsite teams are working with state government authorities to deliver emergency shelter and relief kits to those in need. The kit contains dry rations, tarpaulin, bedsheets and mats. Medical camps are also being set up in affected areas. The company has issued a Customer Care Helpline no – 1800 102 4645.
Maruti Suzuki has extended its support to customers in cyclone-affected areas of Chennai and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Before the cyclone made a landfall, the company sent out 700,000 SMS alerts to customers containing precautionary steps. In the aftermath of the cyclone, the automaker has assigned area-specific service managers to assist distressed customers directly. It has mobilized 46 tow trucks and activated 34 RSA vehicles for quick response. The company is also working on providing faster insurance claim processing and settlements, easier availability spare parts and quick redressal at service workshops.
Mahindra has advised customers whose SUVs were submerged, to not start their vehicles to prevent further damage. They can avail complimentary RSA services within 50 kilometres and free comprehensive inspections and assessment of damage. The firm is providing special discounts on the customer liability component of the repair invoice. All these facilities will be valid till December 31. The company has issued toll-free numbers to reach out the service team for quick response – 1800 209 6006 and 7208071495 (WhatsApp).
Tata Motors is providing a comprehensive service plan in Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh. It has extended the standard warranty, extended warranty, annual maintenance contract period, and free service period affected vehicles. The extension applies to contracts expiring between 1 to 15 December 2023 and will be valid until the end of the month. The OEM has created a dedicated emergency road assistance team and a round-the-clock helpdesk as well.
