Founded in October 2020 by motorhead and ex-racer Siddharth Chaturvedi, Boys and Machines aims to create an image of quality, reliability, ethical values and  long-term relationship with the customers and business partners in the pre-owned luxury car market in India.

A car collector for a long time, Chaturvedi realised that collecting cars was an expensive hobby with the high depreciation rates attached to premium cars. This realisation gave him the idea to convert his hobby into a business to maintain his passion for cars and make money. Once that plan was in place, Chaturvedi started to understand the business of premium car resale and scouted around to pick up the right people into his team to start this venture.

After finding the team, he finally started the new business venture in October 2020, when the market had recovered from the effects of the pandemic and started getting back to normal. The pandemic had injected a fresh thought into people’s head with evident uncertainty of the future. According to Chaturvedi, post the lockdown last year, the spending nature of people has changed, and instead of waiting for the future, people have started to live their dreams. This gave Boys and Machines the perfect opportunity to enter the market and capitalise on people’s spending power.

When asked to explain the business model of Boys and Machines, Chaturvedi said, “As for the business model, we work pan India online majorly. We try getting the cars at the best possible price and conditions across India and offer them to our customers at a slightly lesser rate than the market prices.”

Boys and Machines focuses on two things while buying and selling cars – first, finding the right quality product at the right price and second, providing a hassle-free payment method by closing the deal at one go. This practice builds a strong relationship with the sellers and buyers and helps the brand have a better bargain position.

However, selecting the right car is critical for the business.  Boys and Machines has created a robust three-step verification process. In the first step, the team scouts for cars around the country. On finding a car of their choice, details like chassis number, engine number and other vital information of the vehicle are shared with the respective OEM dealerships, which conduct a background check and provide information on the status and service history of the vehicle. This is the first seal of approval.

Once the car history is verified, the details are passed on to the insurance company, which helps verify any repair work or claims done on the car outside the dealership. If the vehicle passes this step, the company sends its trained staff to the vehicle’s location for physical inspection and approval. Once the vehicle passes all three stages, a meeting is set up with the owner, and the deal is closed in one go without any hassle.

This verification system gives Boys and Machines a competitive advantage while selecting a car as no details about the car can be manipulated.

When we asked how one determines the correct price of any car, Chaturvedi explained, “There is no fixed formula. It is based on the market condition, availability of the product and the demand for the product. These are the conditions that determine the price of a vehicle”.

Buying and stocking premium cars for sale is an expensive business, so we asked Chaturvedi about the financial setup in the company and its stockholding pattern. He replied, “Typically, we stock about 30-35 at any given point. Based on the ongoing trend and the vehicle availability, we try to find a customer for a car than a car for a customer”.

e then explained that the cars in demand are hard to come by. The ones that are listed on the market ask an exorbitant amount of money to purchase. “So, if one starts scouting only for cars in demand, one can hardly sell around five cars in a year. So instead of looking for cars in demand, resellers understand the needs of the market and stock vehicles accordingly.”

For instance, the market in Mumbai is highly SUV centric. Constant flooding and waterlogging problems have pushed car users to adapt to SUVs. So, based on the need, Boys and Machines stocks SUVs from different OEMs. However, the market in Delhi is different to the market in the west of India. In Delhi, people prefer to be driven around than driving around. So, this calls for stocking of both sedans and SUVs that offer an excellent chauffeur-driven experience.

The market in Hyderabad is a hotspot for sports cars, while the eastern market is highly unpredictable. Hence, these variations do not allow the company to stock cars hailing from a single brand or category.

Premium car service is also an expensive affair. Boys and Machines has solved this problem for its clientele with a dedicated customer service team. The business offers breakdown assistance anywhere in the country along with six months of engine and transmission warranty. 

The brand also offers a fixed buy-back option on every car sold at a rate of 25 percent depreciation a year. The buy-back price is decided on the day of the purchase, and customers can come back to the showroom after one year and exchange their car at the pre-determined price.

These small steps go a long way in building customer confidence and aids Boys and Machines in retaining 100 percent of its clientele. Also, word of mouth is a significant marketing source that helps the brand name reach a larger audience.

Talking about the expansion plans for Boys and Machines, the managing director explained that they are on course to inaugurate eight outlets by the end of the year. At the moment, there are three working outlets in Gurugram, Mumbai and Kolkata. The fourth one in Hyderabad is ready to be opened, but the launch has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID situation and the subsequent lockdown. The other cities selected are Indore, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Goa.

Intrigued by the choice of cities for its showroom launch, we asked Chaturvedi what the critical considerations are for opening a showroom. Explaining the business preference, he said that Delhi and Mumbai were the default selection for opening a showroom based on the intense demand and spending power of people in these regions. Boys and Machines selected Kolkata as a gateway to the east, helping it tap into this new market and utilise the lower RTO tax in the region.

Bengaluru and Hyderabad were the brand’s options for opening its fourth showroom. Keeping in mind the saturation of the Bengaluru market and observing the recent boom in sports car demand in Hyderabad, the company decided to settle with Hyderabad and tap this growing market’s massive demand for sports cars.

After the first round of selection of the city, the company observed two things: the surge in real estate in the region and the rate of sale of premium cars in the area. “Cities that start to buy new cars, which are at almost twice the price of a used one, means the aspiration of people there is high. The prospect of buying a higher tier used car at the price of a brand-new premium car helps meet the aspiration of many in the region. These factors help us decide the next region for starting our business,” Chaturvedi added.

He also revealed the company’s ongoing negotiations with external suppliers to help import cars previously not available in the Indian market from countries like Japan, US and more. He mentioned that the high import duties and the challenging import process are the hurdles that have pushed many players away from importing new and unique products into the market.

He also spoke about the challenges from the market’s unorganised players, especially in the 20-40 lakh price bracket. However, he clarified that this is more of a teething problem in North India as compared to the Southern regions because the North people tend to purchase eight-year-old cars costing more than a crore at just 25-30 lakh, while in the South, people don’t seem to mind spending a lakh or two more on a well-rounded package that offers them peace of mind.

When asked about the challenges the second wave of the pandemic has posed, he said, “The biggest challenge right now is the pandemic. We don’t know when the market opens and what the people’s emotions will be as the second wave has been more deadly or more impactful to everyone from the first wave. So, as of now, the biggest hurdle would be how the country recovers after pandemic and how difficult will it be to find the right product for the buyers”.

On the future plans, he said that the company plans to have a turnover of around 100 crores with approximately seven to eight percent profit margin. (MT)

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German luxury automotive brand BMW India has introduced the updated BMW 7 Series range, offering petrol and battery-electric powertrains across the lineup at prices starting at INR 19.5 million (ex-showroom).

The launch includes the BMW i7 M70 xDrive performance model, alongside the local production launch of the electric i7 at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai.

With local assembly of the i7 in Chennai, India becomes the second country after Germany to produce the electric model locally. The performance-focused i7 M70 xDrive will be imported into the country as a completely built-up unit (CBU) with deliveries across the 7 Series portfolio scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Furthermore, the company also introduced actor Ranveer Singh as the Brand Voice for BMW India at the launch.

Pricing for the petrol-powered 740 M Sport and all-electric i7 eDrive50 xDrive M Sport starts at INR 19.5 million, while the flagship i7 M70 xDrive is positioned at INR 26.5 million (all ex-showroom).

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, said: "The new BMW 7 Series is more than our flagship sedan - it is our ultimate statement of modern luxury. It moves the leaders, changemakers and visionaries who are shaping tomorrow. Every detail has been crafted around one idea: those who have reached the pinnacle deserve an experience to match. The new 7 Series sets a benchmark, whether you choose to take the wheel or be driven. It is the new face of the BMW Luxury Class, while offering an early glimpse into technologies that will shape the Neue Klasse era. And with our Power of Choice philosophy, customers can choose from dynamic combustion engines to advanced electric mobility. Because true luxury is not about limiting choices - it is about expanding them. With the new 7, luxury doesn’t end with the drive; it begins there."

"The new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the most powerful 7 Series ever created - where M performance meets first-class luxury, without compromise. It brings together exhilarating electric performance and the refinement expected from the pinnacle of the BMW portfolio. This is a car for someone who wants the thrill of taking the wheel and, equally, the luxury of being driven. Few cars can make the driver’s seat and the rear seat equally desirable. The i7 M70 does. It represents our belief that sustainability and performance are not competing choices. The future of luxury can be electric, exhilarating and extraordinary - all at once," added Brar.

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Kia India has opened pre-bookings for the Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG and Carnival Limousine Hybrid models across its authorised dealer network, expanding the company’s multi-powertrain portfolio in the Indian market.

The additions follow their display at Kia Inspiration Day and introduce alternative fuel options to the manufacturer's multi-purpose vehicle segment. The pricing for all three models is set to be announced at a later date.

Both the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG are based on the G1.5 six-speed manual transmission platform and feature a factory-fitted CNG system with a 60-litre tank capacity. Technical modifications include engine calibration for CNG fuel, revised suspension setups, 16-inch wheels and 16-inch disc brakes. The driver interface incorporates a fuel change switch alongside a 4.2-inch colour TFT display with CNG distance-to-empty logic. Structural changes to the third-row seat-back frame have also been implemented to adjust the recline angle.

The CNG range will include Premium (O) trim for the Carens, while the Carens Clavis will be sold in HTE and HTE (O) trims for retail buyers.

For commercial and business-to-business fleet operations, Kia India has designated the M-Drive trim for the Carens CNG and the HTM trim for the Carens Clavis CNG.

The Carnival Limousine Hybrid introduces an electrified powertrain to the upper tier of the range, powered by a G1.6T HEV engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

It is offered in the Limousine+ trim, which features 18-inch dual-tone aero alloy wheels, active air flaps and a virtual engine sound system. Interior equipment includes an air purifier with air quality index display, seat-back tables with integrated wireless charging, ambient lighting and leatherette door trims.

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Lounge Edition variant across its Creta, Alcazar and Creta Electric SUVs. The special edition trim updates interior cabin equipment, rear seat entertainment and exterior trim styling across the three vehicle lines.

The primary update across all Lounge Edition models is an integrated 29.46 cm rear seat entertainment system featuring streaming platform compatibility, interactive gaming, an app store and smartphone mirroring, operating alongside an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

On the inside, it features silver interior accents, white ambient lighting, revised seat patterns and branded headrest cushions. Exterior changes feature black trim on the skid plates, side sills, roof rails, rear spoiler and side mirrors, paired with black alloy wheels and a golden bronze paint option.

The Creta Lounge Edition, built on the King trim level, is available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an intelligent variable transmission or a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic gearbox, with prices starting at INR 1.92 million ex-showroom.

The Alcazar Lounge Edition is offered in a five-seat layout based on the Signature variant, powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic transmission and equipped with a voice-activated panoramic sunroof, priced from INR 2.18 million. The Creta Electric Lounge Edition, based on the Long Range Excellence trim, adds a dashcam and rear wireless charging pad, with prices starting at INR 2.43 million.

Amit Dhaundiyal, Head of Product Strategy and Planning, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai, we continuously strive to create products and experiences that resonate with the evolving aspirations of our customers. Customers today seek experiences that go beyond mobility, and the new Lounge Edition has been designed with this evolving aspiration in mind. From lounge-inspired interiors, engaging digital entertainment and on-the-go gaming experiences powered by rear seat entertainment, to distinctive styling enhancements, every element has been thoughtfully crafted to transform every journey into a more comfortable, connected and rewarding experience. The Lounge Edition reflects Hyundai's commitment to delivering meaningful innovations and greater value across our SUV portfolio, and we are confident it will appeal to customers seeking a unique blend of luxury, comfort, entertainment and exclusivity in their everyday journeys."

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German automotive luxury brand Audi has unveiled the A2 e-tron electric compact model, which marks its most compact green offering, with prices starting EUR 38,200 in Germany.

Developed in Germany and produced at the manufacturer’s Ingolstadt facility, the EV has an energy consumption rating of 12.8 kWh per 100 kilometres under the WLTP test cycle.

The company will open bookings on 10 September, with European deliveries scheduled to begin in December.

The A2 e-tron is offered in four power outputs ranging from 125 kW and 350 Nm of torque in the base specification to 240 kW and 545 Nm in the top variant, paired with rear-wheel drive and permanently excited synchronous motors. Depending on the output, battery capacities are available in 52 kWh, 61 kWh, or 84 kWh gross options, achieving a maximum driving range of up to 646 kilometres under WLTP conditions.

The chassis design incorporates a drag coefficient of 0.24, utilising active cooling air intakes, aero wheels and wheel-arch gap reducers. Bidirectional charging capabilities support Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external device powering and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) energy transfer via compatible wall boxes.

On the inside, it features a curved MMI panoramic display housing a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with artificial intelligence assistant integration. Storage incorporates the Fidlock magnetic attachment system as standard equipment, alongside an optional 1.6-square-metre panoramic glass roof.

Audi states that around 300 components across the vehicle are constructed using recycled materials, including post-consumer plastics, aluminium and steel.

The EV assembly utilises 250 existing industrial robots and 1,200 reallocated production components at the Ingolstadt plant, using fixed-sequence manufacturing methods. Standard driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assist, evasive assist, attention assist and parking sensors with a rear-view camera.

Gernot Dollner, Chief Executive Officer, Audi, said, “The A2 e-tron is more than a new model: It represents Audi’s renewal. It shows how we are rethinking premium for Europe: using resources more intelligently without compromising on quality, technology, or customer experience. Developed for the needs of our European customers and built in Ingolstadt, it demonstrates our ambition to shape the future of premium mobility.”

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