| Volkswagen story - Continued: (Click here to return to home page) On the next day being aware of this newfound risk I very cautiously shifted "arround" my coffee cup, only to find when I got into heavier traffic where I had to shift more instinctivly, that I too spilled my cup of coffee, again spoiling that wonderfull "new car aroma". Since I was near my VW dealer in Halifax, I dropped in to see if they had any solutions. To my great joy they had a nifty little plastic insert that fits into the arm rest that kept coffee cups out of harms way. This marvelous invention could be mine for only $25! I tried to talk the parts guy into throwing it in, since I was a new customer, but he didn't bite. I was in a hurry so I coughed up the $25 thinking that I could get it back later by escallating my concerns. Canadian Tire sells similar gadgets for under $5. I zipped of a quick note to VW Canada's consumer complaints department, who a few days later had a man phone me to thank me for the feedback, and affirmed that the information would be passed on to approiate engineers... but that they would not refund my $25. I swallowed my pride and let it be for a week, but it just seems wrong to me. So I tried again, sent of another email letter, and met with a similar response. Maybe I should have increased the size of my request to include the cleanup and dry-cleaning costs? So why did I take the time to create this page? Well I guess I have always belived that BIG companies will "do the right thing" when given the opportunity. In this case the current standard coffee cup design is potentially dangerous to coffee drinkers. In order to promote safer driving I think that VW should GIVE the $25 coffee cup holder for free to all VW Jeta customers. (Including me!) I have decided to tell my story to as many people as I can... Visitor Count since: Oct 21, 2002 Email me your opinion: [email protected] Or leave me comments in my guest book: THE ISSUES: 1) DANGEROUS: It is dangerous to place a cup of coffee in the pop-out coffe holder from a number of perspectives: * The path between the steering wheel and the gearshift tends to pass throught this area causing a small paper type coffe cup to spill. * The rubber claw that is used to retain the coffee cup is very difficult to operate with one hand, thus requiring removal of your hands from the steering wheel!!! I seem to recall that McDonalds Restaurants had to pay a woman over $2 Million dollars for a coffee burn, I wonder how much VW will have to pay? 2) CAN'T USE THE CD PLAYER / RADIO while drinking coffee. * The location of the coffee cup holder is in front of the slot to insert CD's. Therefore to change CD's while driving is almost impossible (since there is no where else to place your coffee cup in the interm). * You cannot see which track number or radio station you are on as the cups hang down in front of the display! * It is difficult to change the volume of the CD/Radio since the control knob is behind the coffee cup holder! ================================================================ Oct 23,2002 - As I reflect on the feedback that people have provided I have to ask myself why I feel inclined to pursue this. Obviously some people agree with me, and some think it is silly. I owned a VW Rabbit over 20 years ago, which served me very well. Since then I have owned a new vehicle from Chrysler, and/or GM every 3 years. I faced a number of minor issues with these North American products, all which were handled efficiently, and properly with a view to high customer satisfaction. When my wife purchased the Jetta, I was pleased to be back to the previous high standard of German Engineering. Although I thought the in-dash coffee cup holder was neat, I quickly became dis-enchanted with its design, when I tryed to use it in the "real world". It may seem like a petty issue, but I do spend a lot of time on the road (130,000 km over the past 3 years), and drinking coffee on the fly is like breathing for me. Everytime I buy a coffee I am reminded of the lack of interest exibited by VW. The attitude that VW-Canada staff showed to this matter, were in stark contrast to my dealings with North American auto makers. It leaves me really wondering about what will happen should I have a more substantial problem with VW. All I really want is to be able to "enjoy" our new vehicle, with the knowldege that VW cares about their customers concerns. The End. |
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