Kerala Floods 2018 — Major Automotive Brands Lend Out Support

By Rahul

The state of Kerala has been hit with one of the worst cases of floods, seen in almost a century. Offering their support, many major automakers have come voluntarily come forward to offer their support for the people trapped in these flood-affected regions.

Major Automotive brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and TVS have all come forward to provide support to the people of Kerala.

Kerala Floods

Kerala Floods 2018: Major Automotive Brands Lend Out Support

The state of Kerala has been witnessing the worst case of floods in almost a century. The South West monsoon showers started on May 28th, however, the second spell of incessant rains hit the state on 8th August causing the floods.

The state has reported damage to properties and crops worth over Rs 8,000 crore. Reports also show that over two lakh people have been shifted from their homes and are now living in over 1,000 relief camps, spread across the state.

All 14 districts of Kerala have been put on Red alert, with more showers expected in the coming days.

Kerala Floods 2018: Major Automotive Brands Lend Out Support

According to various sources, North and central Kerala have been hit the worst, with central Kerala district, Pathanamthitta being hit even worse in the past 24 hours.

The state government has already reported a death toll of over 100 till now. Both the government and the Indian army have begun carrying out rescue missions, with thousands of people still trapped by floodwaters.

TVS Motor Company

Kerala Floods 2018: Major Automotive Brands Lend Out Support

TVS Motor Company has announced a donation of Rs 1 crore towards the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).

Swaran Singh, CEO, Srinivasan Services Trust (the social arm of TVS), stated, "TVS Motor believes in supporting the communities around us especially in difficult times. Our contribution is a step towards this. Our prayers are with the people of Kerala and we sincerely hope that the situation will improve."

SST and TVS Motor Company, over the years, have been involved in providing all the support and relief to victims of natural calamities across the country.

Mercedes-Benz India

Kerala Floods 2018: Major Automotive Brands Lend Out Support

Mercedes-Benz India has announced a voluntary contribution of Rs 30 lakh towards the relief fund. Of the total amount, Rs 25 lakh has been donated to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. While the remaining Rs 5 lakh has been contributed by their dealer network.

Roland Folger, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, stated, "It is a moment of grief as the unprecedented floods in Kerala has led to sudden loss of lives and property. Mercedes-Benz stands with the authorities at this moment of crisis and wants to contribute to the relief works as a responsible corporate citizen and support the authorities in its own small way."

He further added, "Towards this, Mercedes-Benz India and its dealer partners are voluntarily contributing ₹ 30 lakhs collectively to the CM Relief Fund to support the relief activities."

Kerala Floods 2018: Major Automotive Brands Lend Out Support

Apart from the donation, Mercedes-Benz India has formed a cross-functional task force, comprising of customer service teams to offer support to customers whose vehicles have been damaged. The task force is currently assessing the situation and preparing a contingency plan

Volkswagen India

Kerala Floods 2018: Major Automotive Brands Lend Out Support

Another German automaker, Volkswagen has also announced extended support and services for customers affected by the floods. Volkswagen India has announced free roadside assistance and special initiatives for all customers in Kerala.

Customers can avail the free roadside assistance by dialing 1800 102 1155 or 1800 419 1155. Under this scheme, Volkswagen will transport customer vehicles free of cost to their nearest dealerships.

The company has also issued flood-repair guidelines across its dealership network in Kerala for a standardised approach. Volkswagen has also prepped a technical support staff, along with parts supply chain in the state.

Kerala Floods 2018: Major Automotive Brands Lend Out Support

Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars stated, "With the state of Kerala experiencing torrential rains and waterlogging causing heavy damage to the vehicles. We have taken special measures to ensure customers receive a prompt response to their service requirements. Our team of highly experienced professionals at our dealer partners in Kerala: EVM Group and Phoenix group are working round the clock to ensure quality and timely service in order to bring the situation back to normal."

BMW India

Kerala Floods 2018: Major Automotive Brands Lend Out Support

BMW India has also announced their support to the people trapped in the floods of Kerala. The German automaker has announced special aftersales support for the flood-affected BMW customer in the state.

The company has already deployed a special task force, consisting of certified technicians and service advisors at various service points across the state. BMW has also prioritized ordering all spare parts necessary towards the state of Kerala, while also working towards arrangements of off-the-shelf parts supply.

Additionally, BMW has also deployed a complimentary Roadside assistance to provide towing operations of BMW vehicles affected by the flooding. The company has also reduced the lead time of various service and repairs with additional technicians, service advisors, consultants and other dedicated staff.

Kerala Floods 2018: Major Automotive Brands Lend Out Support

Vikram Pawah, Chairman, BMW Group India stated, "Continuous heavy rainfall in Kerala region and flooding of low lying areas across the state is a cause of great concern. We stand with our customers in meeting any challenges they might have to face due to inclement weather conditions."

He further added, "BMW India has taken special measures to ensure that its customers receive aprompt response to their service and insurance requirements. A special task force is monitoring the situation on a real-time basis and we are closely coordinating with our dealer partners to ensure a hassle-free service experience."

Thoughts On Various Automakers Supporting The Flood-Affected Victims In Kerala

Kerala Floods 2018: Major Automotive Brands Lend Out Support

The flooding in Kerala is one of the worst cases that has occured in almost a century. People from across the country are pouring in to provide support and relief to the people affected in the state. Many major automakers are also providing various services to their customers, while also offering their support towards the relief funds.

But still, a lot of people are waiting for help and Kerala are looking forward to getting as much support as possible. If you wish to know more about the situation, such as relief camp locations, important phone numbers or needs of the affected, check out the link - https://keralarescue.in/

If you wish to contribute towards the relief fund, you can do so through the link - www.donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in.

Any contribution would help!

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Article Published On: Friday, August 17, 2018, 17:41 [IST]
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