As more and more people look at used cars in the wake of the exorbitant new car prices, the prices of used cars in India seem to exceed in speed than the period rise in new car prices. This is despite the fact that interest rates on funding availed for used cars is often much higher than what is availed for new cars. 

Despite the used car interest rates above 12-13 percent as compared to new car interest rates, which are in the region of six to seven percent, many used car buyers of vehicle that are less than four years of age are opting for finance as they find these vehicles of better value, mentioned an industry source. 

They seem to be less deterred by the fact that used car prices are rising faster than the new car prices owing to the fact that there is more demand than supply in the case of some of the fast-moving models, he added 

With the festive season a month or two away, automakers are busy working on new, exciting cars and SUVs. They are unveiling them in the run up to a commercial launch around Dusshera. 

Another round of price hike is expected at that time in the case of new cars, the source claimed. It is usually the third quarter when the automotive market experiences good traction, he informed. 

On the used car front, monsoon is a dull season followed by an exciting festive season. What is however surprising is the amount of price movement in the used car market in the monsoon season. There is a good deal of volatility in the used car market, mentioned an owner of a used car showroom in Mumbai. 

Good cars bought just before Covid-19 or after it are starting to visit the used car market but their supply – that of some models – is far less than the demand. This is leading to higher asking rates for them at used car outlets. The ripple effect is, cars in the same segments or even others see a demand and hence a price increase as buyers turn their attention to them, he explained. 

If the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI is maintaining its price in the used car market closer to the new car price, consider the 2019 petrol Polo on sale at a used car dealership in central region of Mumbai. At a dealer with good capital investment and years of experience in this business, albeit at the unorganised end of the market, the respective car with about 39,000 km on the odometer is priced at INR 550,000. 

A 2019 petrol Polo with the same colour and the same trim level is priced at INR 500,000 with a used car dealer in Than. It is run 27,000 km and is also a first owner vehicle.

The trend indicates market volatility and also highlights the unorganised nature of the used car market. Prices here are subject to what is available in the market in what quantities and how or what kind of demand there is for those models in the market. 

In the last few weeks, I have observed that the used car market has steadily move up in terms of the prices of cars it sells. It seems to rise faster than the prices of new cars are rising at this moment in time. 

For those who seek their first set of wheels are keen to polish their driving skills, there are hardly any cars that cost less than INR 100,000. Those that are available are either third or fourth owner ones. They come across as either abused or on an extended lease of life post the fifteen-year period. In Delhi NCR, the rule that petrol cars of more than 15 years of age and diesel cars of more than 10 years of age cannot ply in the respective region means used car prices are higher. The balancing bit is the total car parc in that region. 

Citing the example of a first owner 2009 Toyota Corolla Altis with about 120,000 km on the odometer priced at roughly INR 160,000 with a dealer in a Mumbai suburb, a source aware of how the automotive market functions, showed the same being advertised by another used car dealer in the same suburb at INR 225,000! How can a price rise of the same car rise like this in a week’s time? he questioned. 

Terming such developments and the high prices quoted by organised players such as CARS24 or Spinny for the cars that offer an indication of demand outpacing supply, the source mentioned that there is an amount of volatility in the market and it would serve to look for a good car, get it checked thoroughly and exercise a lot of patience to get a good deal. 

Referring to reports by some organised players in the used car market stating that the first quarter of the current fiscal has seen good traction as salaried professionals in bigger and smaller cities turn to used cars after getting a bonus or an increment, the source averred that they ought to be careful when making such a purchase. 

A limited information about a car on the used car market or the lack of transparency of the dealer offering it, are some the big risks involved, he quipped. Irrespective of whether the used car outlet belongs to an organised player or is a stand-alone unorganised enterprise, the risk of buying a used car pertains to the credibility of such a business, how sincere the dealer is in stating information about the car, its papers and service history. In the case of high value purchases, many buyers are known to arrange for a check-up with the dealership to get a good idea about the ‘real’ condition of the vehicle at a certain fee. 

But at the lower price band of the used car market, such a facility is often not available. While entities like Zekardo offer new car inspection and report in view of the investment being made, there is none who could di the same in the used car market. 

With prices moving up smartly – a 2006 WagonR of good condition is priced at INR 140,000 by a dealer in Mumbai – in the used car market in India even for cars that are over 15 years old and leading their first, second or even third ‘green tax extension, the market does look to be quite volatile and overpriced. 

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VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of the global electric vehicle (EV) brand VinFast, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Capital to establish a comprehensive auto and inventory financing framework for its exclusive dealer network.

The partnership is structured to provide VinFast’s retail partners with customised credit lines to manage working capital requirements, optimise inventory volumes and fund physical network expansion as the brand establishes its commercial footprint in India.

The collaboration bridges VinFast's entry into the Indian automotive space with the expansive fiscal network of Tata Capital, which ranks as India's third-largest non-banking financial company (NBFC).

The dealer financing agreement functions as an operational anchor for VinFast’s broader strategy to build a self-sustaining electric vehicle ecosystem in India. Furthermore, to alleviate consumer hesitation regarding EV depreciation curves, VinFast is launching structural assured resale value programs.

It was just recently that VinFast announced an extension of its free charging program across the V-Green charging network, which will remain active for owners until 31 March 2029.

Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “VinFast India is pleased to partner with Tata Capital, one of the most trusted financial services providers in the country, in a collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to advancing electric mobility in India. This partnership will enable us to offer comprehensive financing solutions for our dealer network, thereby supporting greater accessibility, operational ease and long-term growth for the brand. We are confident that their strong pan-India presence and financial expertise will play an important role in enhancing the ownership journey for our customers and partners.”

Narendra Kamath, COO - SME Finance, Tata Capital, said, "India’s transition to electric mobility is gathering significant momentum, creating a growing need for innovative and scalable financing solutions. Through our partnership with VinFast, we aim to empower dealers with tailored financing support that enables business growth and operational efficiency. Together, we are committed to strengthening the EV ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of sustainable mobility across the country."

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Maruti Suzuki India Limited has launched the Smart Maintenance Plan (SMP), a flexible prepaid after‑sales service package aimed at giving existing customers a worry‑free ownership experience. The plan is open to all private and commercial vehicle owners.

Customers can subscribe at the time of vehicle purchase or later during a periodic maintenance visit to any authorised workshop. The plan offers various configurations, including labour‑only, parts and labour, commercial vehicle minor services, customer‑demanded services and engine oil with coolants. Optional wear‑and‑tear coverage for clutch and brake parts is also available.

Subscribers save at least 10 percent on labour costs, with extra savings on parts and consumables, while gaining protection against future inflation. Tenure and mileage options range from two years or 20,000 kilometres up to 10 years or 100,000 kilometres for private vehicles, and 10 years or 160,000 kilometres for commercial vehicles. The plan applies nationwide at any Maruti Suzuki authorised workshop.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Since inception, our focus has been to deliver complete peace of mind and a truly joyful ownership experience to our customers. As customer expectations continue to evolve towards greater flexibility and personalised solutions, we are introducing the Smart Maintenance Plan. It is a prepaid service offering designed around individual driving needs. Customers can customise service packages while also protect themselves from future fluctuations in service costs by locking in maintenance expenses. Through this initiative, we aim to further enhance convenience, trust and long-term value for our customers.”

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French automotive major Renault is accelerating the international rollout of its high-value C-segment SUV, the Renault Boreal. Originally launched in Latin America out of the Curitiba production facility in Brazil, Renault has established a second major industrial hub for the vehicle at its OYAK Renault plant in Bursa, Türkiye.

The strategic expansion positions the Bursa facility to satisfy high domestic demand in Türkiye – Renault’s second-largest market globally – while serving as a primary export base for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Renault Boreal features dimensions that exceed conventional C-segment benchmarks, leaning into upper-tier spacing realities – 4.56 metre body length, 2.70 metre wheelbase and 630 litres of boot space, expandable up to 1,868 litres with the easy break rear seats completely folded down.

The exterior design language combines a high-riding stance with modern brand markers, highlighted by a body-colour front grille housing the backlit ‘Nouvel’R’ emblem. It features a sweeping roofline, prominent fender flares, a Niagara Concept-inspired LED headlight signature, 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a black-contrast panoramic glass roof.

The Turkish manufacturing rollout introduces a pragmatic mix of combustion and hybrid systems tailored for cross-continental regulatory and driving conditions. It can be had in full hybrid e-tech with multi-mode automatic transmission option that produces 160 hp of peak power, a WLTP range of 100 km on 4.8-litre fuel, 1.3 Turbo TCe with 6-speed wet dual-clutch (EDC) producing 145 hp of peak power, offering a WLTP range of 100 km with 6.6-lite of fuel consumption and a Hybrid E-Tech 4x4 (launch in Q4 CY2026) with multi-mode automatic transmission option producing a peak power of 150 hp.

The 160 hp full hybrid variant utilises the HR18-coded engine built locally by Oyak Horse. The system is engineered to prioritise urban efficiency, running in pure electric mode up to 80 percent of the time during stop-and-go city commutes. It supports pure electric acceleration at speeds up to 110 kmph.

Drivers can modulate performance metrics through the Multi-Sense system. In addition to Eco, Comfort, Sport and Perso settings, the vehicle features a new Smart Mode that automatically recalibrates steering weight, throttle response, ambient cabin lighting and exhaust/sound notes based on real-time road conditions.

The driver-oriented cabin integrates digital technology with premium family utilities, featuring a 10-inch digital driver instrument display sitting flush alongside a 10-inch openR link central multimedia touchscreen.

The Boreal deploys up to 25 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) depending on trim levels, highlighted by Active Driving Assist. This Level 2 system blends adaptive cruise control with automated Stop & Go routing and continuous lane-centring technologies.

Fabrice Cambolive, CEO, Renault Brand, said, “Boreal embodies Renault’s ambition to accelerate growth beyond Europe by delivering more value to our customers and strengthening our position in the strategic C-SUV segment. First launched in Latin America from our Brazilian hub, its expansion to Türkiye marks a new step in our international development. Boreal is also a strong illustration of Renault’s brand markers in action: Electrified by Passion with the introduction of our new E-Tech full hybrid technology; Designed to be Loved through its expressive design, elegant proportions and distinctive lighting signature that create an immediate emotional connection; People-First Technology with a seamless connected experience powered by Google, advanced driver assistance systems and intuitive onboard technologies; and Crafted Space through a spacious, versatile and comfortable interior designed around the needs of modern families. More broadly, Boreal demonstrates our ability to develop global voitures à vivre, produced close to their markets and thoughtfully adapted to local customer needs, combining desirability, innovation and everyday relevance for customers around the world.”

Ivan Segal, Renault Brand Head of Sales & Operations, added, “Boreal now enters a new phase of commercial deployment. Production in Bursa will enable us to address the Turkish market, Renault’s second-largest market worldwide, while opening up exports to a group of markets across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. With strong product appeal and a competitive industrial footprint, it will support our presence in the high-value C‑SUV segment across our international markets.”

Lionel Jaillet, CEO of Renault Group Türkiye, said, “We are very proud to introduce Boreal to the Turkish market. Being manufactured at our OYAK Renault facility in Bursa will both support domestic demand and strengthen Türkiye’s position in the global automotive ecosystem by contributing to our export targets.”
 

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced the expansion of its Rally Sport (RS) performance portfolio with the introduction of the all-new Kodiaq RS. Marking the first time Skoda’s performance badge has been applied to an SUV in the Indian market, the flagship model combines a three-row, seven-seat premium layout with a dedicated mechanical tune.

The company said official order books for the high-performance SUV are scheduled to open nationwide on 22 June 2026.

The core differentiator of the Kodiaq RS lies in its upgraded internal combustion hardware. The vehicle features a heavily revised iteration of the Volkswagen Group's EA888 engine architecture, tuned identically to the high-output configurations found in the global Octavia RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The vehicle’s announcement follows a marketing campaign where Skoda Auto India’s entire active fleet – comprising the Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia, standard Kodiaq and the limited-volume Octavia RS – established an official India and Asia Book of Record at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore. The group achieved the 'Fastest Multi-Car Relay of a Single Manufacturer on a Circuit' with a total combined lap time of 12:30.97.

The Kodiaq RS will arrive in the country via the Completely Built Unit (CBU) import route, serving as an elite flagship positioned above the locally assembled multi-tier Kodiaq lineup (Lounge, Sportline and L&K trims).

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge carries over 50 years of global performance legacy and a fiercely loyal following in India since the Octavia RS arrived more than two decades ago. The latest Octavia RS, launched last year, sold out in just 20 minutes, highlighting its cult status among enthusiasts. Now, we’re taking that legacy forward with the Kodiaq RS, our first-ever seven-seater in India to wear the iconic RS badge and the quickest Skoda yet in the country. It blends performance, space, and 4x4 capability into a bold, unmistakable expression of our racing DNA.”

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