Hassles with NETA Electric Vehicles: Users Lodge Complaints with Thailand Consumers Council
Unraveling the Problems
- Complaints Piled Up: Over 69 complaints have been lodged with the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) by NETA electric vehicle users since early 2024, largely due to problems with after-sales service and spare parts [1].
Council's Countermeasures
- Meet-and-Discuss: The TCC has scheduled a meeting with NETA (Thailand) to discuss remedies for the complaints, aiming to ensure the company upholds its commitment to after-sales support [1].
- Legal Actions: If NETA fails to cooperate, the TCC will intervene with legal action, engaging relevant authorities and even sending a letter to the Chinese Embassy [1].
Company Response
- Insolvency Denial: NETA Auto (Thailand) has dismissed bankruptcy claims, explaining that their ongoing financial disputes are merely part of standard legal proceedings [4].
- Management Restructuring: The parent company, Hozon Auto, is restructuring its management and exploring options such as debt-to-equity conversion and fundraising to address their financial challenges [2].
- Government Pressure: Faced with the possibility of losing substantial subsidies, NETA is under strict government scrutiny to adhere to EV production targets [2][4].
More Complications
- Dealer Network Woes: concerned about NETA not settling its outstanding subsidy payments, dealers are reportedly facing financial difficulties, potentially impacting warranty services and network stability [5].
- Government Aid: The Thai government might offer flexible solutions to aid NETA in continuing its operations, such as extending production deadlines [4].
Enrichment:
Additional Insights
- The disclosed complaints primarily revolve around issues with after-sales service and spare parts shortages [Thailand Consumers Council]
- NETA is under significant pressure to meet Thai government EV production targets to maintain subsidies. The company may need to return over 2 billion baht if they don't meet expectations [Thai government, NETA Auto (Thailand)]
- NETA dealers assert that they are owed more than 400 million baht in unpaid subsidies, creating financial instability within the dealer network [NETA dealers]
- Hozon Auto, the parent company, is restructuring its management and exploring financial solutions, including debt-to-equity conversion and fundraising [Hozon Auto]
- The Thai government is contemplating extending production deadlines under the EV 3.5 scheme to assist NETA in maintaining its operations [Thai government]
Electric Vehicle Users Lodge Grievance with Consumer Authority Regarding NETA Problems
Tags: * EVs * electric vehicles * complaints * consumers * issues * TCC * Thailand Consumers Council * after sales service
- The ongoing problems with NETA electric vehicles, such as issues with after-sales service and spare parts, have sparked complaints from consumers, causing a significant concern within the business industry.
- The financial challenges faced by NETA, including ongoing legal disputes and the need for restructuring, are closely watched by both the finance and transportation sectors, as the company's fate could impact the EV industry in Thailand.
