114. Also, the issue that consumers are left with only limited choice due to such insistence from the OP holds no ground simply because of the fact that it is not mandatory for customers to take insurance from the list of companies given by the OP. From the statements given by third parties such as Hans Hyundai, Capital Hyundai and Koncept Hyundai, it is gathered that though it is acknowledged that the OP provides a list of preferred insurance companies, the customers are free to get any insurance from any company or through any other broker without any compulsion. Incentives are given if customers take insurance through dealers from the list provided by the OP, but the same is not mandatory and the customer will not be refused any other services if it opts for other insurance companies. Having a tie-up or arrangements with insurance companies is the usual business norm. For instance, representatives of Honda Cars India Ltd. and Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. have also stated that they have also executed agreements with insurance brokers or companies and customers have taken insurance from other companies not provided in their list. Their service levels remain the same for all customers and in no way they are prejudiced against such customers. Therefore, mere recommendation that the dealers consider/ suggest the insurance companies partnered with the OP will not amount to tie-in arrangement. It is opined that the OP has not violated Section 3(4)(a) of the Act with respect to the allegation that the OP has tied the sale of its cars with selected insurance vendors only.”
