Škoda customers hit out as emissions mailing lands

Škoda is facing a growing rebellion among customers who have been affected by the VW emissions scandal with many insisting they do not want to get the fix done as they believe it will affect their car’s performance.
The move coincides with mounting criticism of Škoda’s communications strategy and claims that customers are being kept in the dark about what the company plans to do about the issue. (See also Shaun Moran on… Škoda emissions mail campaign)
On one Škoda forum, Briskoda.net, customers have blasted the letter that the car firm is sending out, suggesting it is virtually useless.
One owner writes: “[The letter] arrived yesterday, no helpful information, only to say that Škoda will rectify the issue. I don’t have an issue the car performs very well. What I am concerned about and Škoda did not touch on it was how will the ‘fix’ affect performance and fuel economy. The Times [newspaper] seems to be a better source of information. Does anyone else have concerns?”
Another added: “I simply don’t see how the reduced emissions can be achieved without something ‘giving’ and the Skoda letter is noticeable for the absence of such promises!”
Meanwhile a third says: “VW seem to have moved into the smoke and mirrors phase now and aren’t giving out any hard facts. As far as we are concerned cars need to be retested again against the European rules to confirm (or not) that they passed without using the cheat software, if the UK and Europe governments have the stomach for it.”
There then follows a stream of comments from people who are planning to boycott the manufacturer’s recall, with one saying: “I’m sorely tempted NOT to take my car back”, while another adds: “I’m certainly in no rush and won’t respond till I know ALL my options.”
A third owner writes: “Nobody is going near my ECU before I have some detailed answers to searching questions. If I don’t like the answers, it’s not happening. Nobody can force me, and perhaps an un-updated car will command a premium in future?!”
Škoda is currently conducting a review of its direct marketing activity, which has been handled by AIS London for over 14 years. It is understood that part of the brief will be to devise a strategy to rescue the car marque’s reputation following the emissions scandal.

TOPICS:Skoda