BENGALURU: Thoroughly embarrassed over the Tumakuru incident where a farmer was humiliated by car showroom executives for his attire and appearance, top executives of Mahindra & Mahindra on Tuesday promised to sensitize dealers and frontline staff to ensure "respect and dignity of all customers".
The incident had gone viral with many social media users tagging the brass of Mahindra Group while slamming the behaviour of sales executives. Reacting to the incident, Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra tweeted: "The Core Purpose of @MahindraRise is to enable our communities & all stakeholders to Rise. And a key Core Value is to uphold the Dignity of the Individual. Any aberration from this philosophy will be addressed with great urgency."
TOI had published a report, "Humiliated ryot raises Rs 10 lakh in 30 minutes for SUV", on Monday. The farmer, Kempegowda of Ramanapalya, had gone with his friends to the Mahindra showroom in Tumakuru to check a Bolero when he was sneered at by the staff. They reportedly told him that he probably didn't have even Rs 10 in his pocket and had come to buy a vehicle costing Rs 10 lakh! Kempegowda asked the staff if they would deliver the vehicle immediately if he returned with the money in 30 minutes. The staff dared him to return, presuming that he cannot afford the SUV. However, Kempegowda returned with Rs 10 lakh cash and asked for the vehicle. The stunned staff tried to come up with excuses but got a mouthful from the farmer for judging him by his attire. Police had to intervene and pacify Kempegowda.
Veejay Nakra, CEO (automotive division) at Mahindra & Mahindra, tweeted: "Dealers are an integral part of delivering customer-centric experience and we ensure the respect & dignity of all our customers. We are investigating the incident and will take appropriate action, in case of any transgression, including counselling & training of frontline staff."
