If cars weren’t sold there, Concorde Motors Hyderabad premises would have passed off as a railway platform - Chaotic, disorganized, and haphazard but still the business is on. But before I get on further with words let me clarify – this review is for corporate customers who purchase cars using bank’s money. Also for the ease of understanding and a clear review of each department, I have divided the review into various service segments. But who am I to comment on Concorde?
Lets establish some relative credibility. Being their corporate customer of an Indica V2 DLG and sending the car thrice for periodic servicing and once to the paint shop, I guess they have driven me enough through their service ride to justify my opinion.
And as I do that I feel I am narrating a pot holed, up-hill, steep bend drive. I am splitting this article into two… this one would deal with Showroom experiences and the next one with Service station
Car enquiry ---------------
Showroom Ambience –
Very grubby. Nothing compared to any of the other Car showrooms. Cars were dusty and painted by finger prints of all and sundry that must have entered the showroom. Chairs were for Musical chairs event and they had never been subjected to any sort of cleaning. Tables (if available) were Coffee stained. Brochures were either not there or weren’t relevant any more. Surprisingly few were photocopies.
Attention –
Was OK as we had already spoken to someone and he was waiting for us.
But the Showroom escorts were careless about our presence. We had to connect to the mobile of the representative to announce our arrival.
Pre-sales ------------ Explaining the car - Representative had knowledge and was patient in parting the same. He was much better than other showroom reps in technical department. Was convincingly narrative about the vehicle features
Test drive – Sit in the car that’s displayed in the showroom, place your feet on the pedals, one hand on steering, another on gear lever and then make a sound… “vroooooooom”!!! Forget it you are asking for too much! They always have an excuse that’s its being tested! However this is only with Indica… I had tried Palio and I got one at the decided time.
Pre sales promises – A perfect sales pitch at that – never knew which way the ball is going to turn. Promises were always stapled with contradictions. Its always suggested to carry a Dictaphone while negotiating with a Concorde Rep. Bargaining was as hard as Indica gear lever. Things had to be taken to their GM where everything was contradicted, reworked and eventually negotiated. The bottom line is they are not clear in what they are saying and would not share the complete picture with you unless you are on that page. The verdict in this segment is – Don’t trust them verbally.
Documentation – OK job but they ensure a formula that converts your excitement into a patience test and then into frustration. Make you run everywhere and to add to my woes I had taken a SBI loan. The wait for the documentation to get over plus the chaotic environs compel you to run away with the car the moment it is delivered like a racing horse that gallops off as the racing gates are opened.
Accessories – The rack was full but crowded (not neatly stacked).
They appeared more like curios in a Salarjung museum where no one asks what you looked at and why. Still they were good with the workmanship and the only department in Concorde which knew what commitment means
Accounting– Neat and tidy accounting and usually do not mess up with maths. Refunded me the due excess paid amount promptly. Delivery – In some places cycles are better delivered with deservingly pampered pride of ownership.
Here it was a hurried affair as the delivery bay had to be emptied for the next car to fit in. But yes as a process they arranged for a small ‘Tilak’ and a sweetbox.
Pre-delivery RTA – Concorde charges 50% higher than the market rate of a RTA service agent. So I utilized the services of the same RTA agent but not through Concorde. Here too things were smooth.
Overall impression – Poor. But better than other showrooms as they are still TATA’s. I guess its high time Concorde should learn that Rural cash rich truck/ Indicab buyers are a different breed to Corporate car buyers Please wait for my next article dedicated to servicing experiences at Concorde service stations.