In a recent development, the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed American carmaker Ford, including both Ford India and its Chandigarh dealership, to refund a customer, Harshbir Singh Banga, a sum of Rs. 59 lakh. The commission’s ruling further stipulates that if the refund cannot be processed, the customer should be provided with a new Mustang. Banga filed the complaint after his Ford Mustang GT Race faced engine issues, resulting in a breakdown at a roundabout.
Banga, described as an automotive enthusiast and a lover of high-performance vehicles, had purchased a brand-new Ford Mustang GT Race from Rama Motor Sales and Services, a Ford dealership in Chandigarh. However, his excitement turned into frustration when, a few months after the purchase, his Mustang experienced a significant setback.
On a fateful day in July 2020, Banga found himself stranded at the Sector 7/8 roundabout in Chandigarh as his car came to a halt. Subsequent investigations revealed that the engine had ceased to function, prompting the dealership to recommend an engine replacement.
The State Consumer Commission, taking into account the inconvenience faced by the customer, ruled in favor of Banga, directing Ford India and the dealership to either refund Rs. 59 lakh to the customer or provide him with a new Mustang. This decision emphasizes the importance of consumer rights and satisfaction in the automotive industry.
