I was driving down the Autobahn in Germany one day when a cow strayed on to the road. Immediately, there was an announcement on the radio to warn car drivers about the cow. Every time I hear this warning while driving in Germany, I laugh out loud. I tell my friends there, that if we were to make announcements about cows straying on roads in India, we would need a separate radio broadcasting station completely dedicated to this!
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(This story appears in the 05 March, 2010 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)
Very impressed with the narration of your experience and glad you could settel down in new enviroment. I was impressed by Vento Highline diesel car & had booked it in the month Nov 2010, to gift my wife on our wedding anniversary. I was promised the car would be delivered by 1st week of Jan2011. I thought the commitment to customer would be similar to the quality, design & reputation, the company had strived so hard. But to my surprise & shock, your dealer , Elite Motor Hosur road , Bangalore: First never responded when we enquired on status of our car on 08.01.2011. Again when we enquired on 10.01.2011 we were informed that Mr. Gangadhar a sales representative(who had handled our case) had resigned & they would get back with the status. They never responded. Subsequently on 14.01.2010 when we enquired the sales department, mentioned that they are receiving new stocks & would come back on 19.01.2011. Never responded. I received a call from the sales on 20.01.2011 informing me that they have petrol cars on stock &informed me buy a petrol Vento. I regretted the offer. I was informed that they would come back which they never did. So I had to call the sales again. I called up the dealer, one sales personnel Mr. Dilip informed me that Vento high end Diesel car production has stopped & if I wish to buy wait 37 weeks (is this true) I'm absolutely shocked by the way customers are taken for a ride I request your kind intervention in this matter.
on Jan 20, 2011Great article about a person with lots of experience in different countries and now heading a great company in India. But I am greatly disappointed with VW's after sales service & attitude towards customers. I regret to mention that emails sent to top officials of the company remain un-acknowledged. I would appreciate your looking into the matter personally and sort it out at the earliest. Do enjoy your stay in India.
on Sep 25, 2010Nice reading your comments of India. But , I am very much disgusted with your company and your dealers.<br /> I had booked a POLO in the start of month of March 2010 and was promised delivery & billing before 31st March 2010 by your dealer KSM Motors , Navi Mumbai. But till date your dealer has not given the delivery & non of your company employees are ready to sort out the matter.<br /> I think this is not the kind of business that is done in Germany. I think you should look into the matter and try to sort out my matter personally as head of VW India.<br />
on Apr 12, 2010A very nice article.... Leaves you thinking.... I havealways admired the Germans for their determination and continuous strive for perfection.... And I know Mr. Mueller is no different..... I am quite pleased to know that you have adapted yourself to the Indian ways and I hope you really enjoy your tenure in India.
on Mar 1, 2010I have had some experience working in India as an expat like Joerg and agree with him about the hierarchical decision making and information flow which at times slows down progress because someone at the lower levels is unable to see their ideas come to fruition quickly. Also, Indians are some waht hesitant to tell their colleagues or superiors about problems or lack of expertise because they fear it will hamper their progress within a company. This too can cause affect the overall progress of the team.
on Mar 2, 2010This article seems straight from the heart....Mr. Mueller has got a good hang of living in India and its professional practices....his kids christmas experience was touching....cheers
on Mar 8, 2010It is really nice to Hear from you about your experience in India. Your Cow- Radio Remark was the best. Enjoy the time in India
on Mar 11, 2010Its always good to hear someone from abroad giving positive comments about India. Hope you and your family, especially your kids enjoy your stay in India
on Mar 11, 2010Feels good to hear good about India !
on Mar 25, 2010