A shocked motorist watched in horror as his car, which was being serviced, fell off a hoist, causing thousands of rand in damage.
While he was waiting for the car to be serviced at the Kia Edenvale service centre, Phillip Grobler heard a loud bang and saw staff scurrying around, looking at him, some laughing.
He went into the service area and, to his horror, saw his car “dangling” at an angle from the hoist.
Grobler picks up the story.
“I took my Kia Cerato for its 45 000km service in March and it was agreed that I could wait for the vehicle while it was being serviced.
“I require my vehicle on a daily basis as this is my only means of transport. I was waiting in the reception area when suddenly there was a loud noise that echoed through the workshop.
“I immediately knew that something was wrong when everyone stared at me as they walked past me. I was informed by the service manager that there was an incident and that this involved my vehicle.
“I went in and found that the vehicle was still dangling in the air.
“The technician who was responsible for servicing my vehicle thought this was a big joke, but when he realised it was my vehicle, he lost his sense of humour,” he said.
Grobler said the service manager did show “remorse”, gave him a courtesy vehicle and assured him that they would take care of the matter.
However, the story later changed and he was told that Kia would not repair or replace the vehicle and that he should claim from his insurance. He was told that he had signed an indemnity against damage to his vehicle when he checked the car in for a service.
“I find this totally unacceptable and will not entertain this behaviour.”
“I can prove that this was gross negligence and will pursue this matter further. I will not claim from my insurance company as it is Kia’s full responsibility,” he said.
Kia Edenvale service manager Ronnie Smith said he had just taken over and the incident had happened before his time.
However, he said Kia SA had now accepted responsibility and would repair the car at its expense.
“We have taken the vehicle to a panelbeater and I am personally supervising the repairs. There will be no expense for Mr Grobler.
“He did sign an indemnity form which states that the customer’s insurance is responsible for damage but, despite this, we have agreed to pay for the full repairs,” he said.
A forensic test was being conducted by an independent firm on why the car fell off the hoist.
“This kind of thing does not ever happen in our workshops and we are conducting a full investigation and we want answers.
“We are fortunate and happy that no one got injured,” Smith said. - The Star