Volkswagen directed to refund Rs 60 lakh to Chennai businessman who bought Audi car – Times of India

CHENNAI: Audi-maker Volkswagen has been directed by the Tamil Nadu state consumer disputes redressal commission to refund Rs 60 lakh to a Chennai-based businessman who purchased an Audi Q-7 variant in 2009 which suffered many brake-related problems since 2014.
The commission said since it has been proved that the vehicle had a defect and that the buyer had to spend a lot of money on repairs, it would be fair to order a refund of the whole purchase cost. As the buyer had used the vehicle well, it would be pointless to order replacement of the vehicle, the commission said.
Justice R Subbiah and member Venkatesaperumal pronounced the judgment on November 22, 2022.
The complainant, the managing director of Saravana Stores Tex, purchased an Audi Q 7 3.0 TDI Quattro in his company’s name. The brochure made tall claims of its brake system promising absolute safety.
On July 20, 2014, the complainant and his family travelled in the car from Chennai to Yercaud. The vehicle had a brake failure resulting in a near fatal accident near Kallakurichi Toll Gate. This caused great trauma to the passengers. A complaint was filed asking Volkswagen to replace the car and to pay a compensation of Rs 30 lakh as damages for the mental trauma caused by negligence and gross deficiency of service on the manufacturer’s part.