23 December 2005
	ROVING FOR SERVICE Aaron Maroeshe, via e-mail.

I was reading an article on Ford (corporate report, August 19), in which Thomas Viehweg [SA president of Ford's Premium Automotive Group, which is responsible for various brands] said he wanted to rebuild the damaged reputation of Land Rover vehicles and attract young buyers. This, to me, means he knows all about the problems these vehicles give consumers. He indicated, however, that it would take time to resolve the situation. I have written several complaints to Land Rover SA's customer managers and copied him, without success. In brief, I bought a TD4 Freelander Land Rover in October 2004. The car is still under warranty. Since the beginning of this year, the car has been in and out of their workshops with no permanent solution to the problems. Land Rover SA has all records as they approve the parts to fix the problem. I advised them that this could be a manufacturing fault, and requested that they replace it. I advised them that the situation was unacceptable as it inconveniences me and I have had to cancel various meetings owing to the unreliability of their car. To my proposal that they replace the vehicle at cost, Land Rover SA presented a proposal which increased my instalment by R1 700. Since I contested their proposal, they have not replied. My car is still at one of their dealerships and I am paying a monthly instalment for a car I don't drive. I have also forwarded my complaints to the motor industry ombudsman, the department of trade & industry consumer protection office and the compensation commission of SA.