Buying a luxury car model can seem like a dream come true, but it might not be the best choice for someone who’ll have to think twice before giving an arm and a leg to buy a luxury car. That’s where second hand or pre-owned luxury cars come to the rescue. Sumit Garg, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Luxury Ride, a certified pre-owned luxury car aggregator that offers exclusive luxury cars at competitive prices, talks about what drives the luxury car market, their presence in India and also shares a few case studies related to their 15-day money-back guarantee. Read on…

What led you to starting Luxury Ride?
It all started with my passion for luxury cars since childhood. Following my passion, I entered the industry after completing my education. I soon realised that purchasing a luxury car involved a huge financial obligation. As the costs were high, many aspirational buyers found it difficult to own a luxury car. In this, the youth made up the bulk of the potential consumers, who were unable to buy a first-hand luxury car even after improving a lot on their disposable income and buying capacity. This motivated me to come up with Luxury Ride. It enabled the potential consumers to buy certified pre-owned luxury cars within their budget, and that too without compromising on the premium experience and performance of the car.

What are the current trends in the luxury car market?
Luxury cars are becoming a global trend. Moreover, in this, the rise of High-Net-Worth Individual (HNWI) and Ultra High-Net-Worth Individual (UHNWI) populations has proved to be a major factor in propelling the growth of the luxury car market. Going by the trend, the affluent consumer base seeks a premium experience, along with greater resilience. For this, they highly prefer SUVs that perfectly tick the requirement list of emerging consumers.

How do you deliver the best quality vehicles at competitive costs, keeping emissions in mind?
The cars in our inventory are 100 percent certified, and the vehicles go through a thorough inspection by qualified automobile engineers. They are then sold to customers with a manufacturer’s warranty. Our vehicles undergo 151 inspection checkpoints to ensure the quality of the car. The cars are backed up with a six-month engine and gearbox warranty.

Who are your end users usually? What do they most look for when selecting a luxury car?
Looking at the industry trends, millennials and the youth form the majority of our consumer base. They always aspire to upgrade their lifestyle. They are driven by the desire to own a luxury car that has the latest technology and gives a premium experience. First-time luxury car buyers also make up a substantial part of the consumer base that already has a low- or mid-budget car in possession. In fact, luxury is the first and foremost element buyers look for in the car. The latest technology, with user-friendly features making driving a comfortable experience, also tops the list when purchasing a car. Considering that the new-age buyers want to experience extravagance within their budget, they are in search of value for money.

Have you ever ended up paying back a customer under your 15-day money-back guarantee? Under what conditions is this protocol applied?
Yes, there have been a few incidents. For instance, one of our customers bought an Audi Q5 and later found some issues. In his opinion, it was not up to the mark, which made him anxious. He came back to us and requested us to pay the amount back. As is our policy, we returned each penny. The best part is that after a month, he came back to us and purchased an Audi Q7. Hence, having such policies develops your trust with the end consumer. Another instance was where a customer’s family had an objection to the colour of the vehicle due to their religious beliefs after the son had bought the car for them. The customer wished to return the car and for us to return the amount paid. We checked the car for any mishandling and took it back and returned the amount once we were sure of the car’s condition. However, we don’t have the money-back guarantee if a car has met with an accident after being purchased or if the customer has mishandled the vehicle. Otherwise, a 15-day money-back guarantee is available for all of our customers. We believe that nobody buys a car in order to return it. So by providing the 15-day money-back guarantee, we are giving our customers an assurance that the car is in good condition and that the customer will not face any hassle with the vehicle.

Do you see an increasing demand for luxury cars in India, especially keeping in mind that the luxury segment in India is quite small?
The demand for luxury cars has been rising gradually in India. Considering that people today try to attain a certain lifestyle, they are considering shifting towards luxury cars. There is a certain desire for branded cars where buyers are looking for new models, terrific designs and amazing technology in the same car. These evolving aspirations are responsible for driving the popularity of this segment.

We are also seeing a V-shaped recovery in luxury cars. Why do you think that is?
The V-shaped recovery is due to a combination of factors, from changing consumer behaviour to rising affluent young consumers, local production and more. I believe the demand for luxury cars will only get stronger in the years to come.

How much emphasis do you put on safety in your luxury cars? What are the features?
The pre-owned luxury cars offered by us are integrated with advanced technology to leverage the safety requirements of the customers. Luxury cars nowadays come with smart safety features like rear parking sensors, lane departure warnings, traffic sign recognition and autonomous emergency braking. There are also GPS tracking systems, car alarms, electronic immobilisers, mechanical mobilisers and kill switches in order to avoid any instances of theft.

Like brand new luxury cars, used luxury cars, which cost half of the original price, are also very popular among buyers. Can you throw light on how this affects business for a company like Luxury Ride?
The pre-owned luxury car market has its own set of customers who have value for money, but at the same time, yearn for a premium experience. They want luxury but without disturbing their financial stability. Therefore, the pre-owned luxury car market caters to a different set of consumers who will be driving the demand for the segment.

Would you consider venturing into exotic cars?
Right now, our entire focus is on the pre-owned luxury car segment, where we want to create a niche for the segment in the market.

What is your company’s business model and do you provide any add-on services?
Our company has an omnichannel business model that brings about the confluence of offline and online assets. This is to harness the maximum benefits of both channels. It enables customers to explore through our vast collection of cars online, which also has a provision for physical tours to thoroughly inspect and get the feel of the car before purchasing it. Besides that, we have a provision for doorstep test drive for a hassle-free experience. Some of our prominent services include easy finance and insurance, park and sell service and an in-house service centre.

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Kia India has announced a significant change to its leadership team, naming Sunhack Park as Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and Joonsu Cho as Chief Business Officer (CBO).

As the new CSO, Park will head Kia India’s sales strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, improving operational efficiency and expanding the brand’s market reach. He brings over 28 years of international automotive experience, having held key leadership positions at Kia Headquarters in South Korea, the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and India.

Cho, in his role as CBO, will be responsible for crafting business strategies, overseeing production planning and export logistics, leading cross-functional teams and forging strategic alliances to ensure operational excellence. He has over 32 years of leadership experience from global roles in Australia, the UK and Europe.

Sunhack Park, said, “I am privileged to take on the role as Chief Sales Officer. This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand our presence in a dynamic and evolving market. My focus will be on driving sales growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and strengthening our dealer and partner ecosystem.”

Joonsu Cho, said, “I am honored to assume the role of Chief Business Officer. Kia India has made remarkable strides in the market, and my priority will be to develop and execute robust business strategies that support sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

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RattanIndia Enterprises-owned Revolt Motors, a leading electric motorcycle brand, is strengthening its leadership team and has appointed Raghava Rao as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO).

Rao, a seasoned industry leader, comes with over two decades of diverse experience across the automotive sector, spanning two-wheelers, tractors, three-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

Prior to joining Revolt Motors, he has held senior leadership positions at Kinetic Engineering, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, Piaggio Vehicles and TI Clean Mobility (Montra Electric).

Roy Kurian Joins Revolt Motors As President

Rao has expertise in channel sales, customer support, customer experience and market insights, with a proven track record of driving business growth and customer success.

Anjali Rattan, Chairperson, RattanIndia Enterprises, said, “We are delighted to welcome Raghava Rao to the Revolt family. His deep expertise in the automotive industry and proven leadership across multiple business functions will play a crucial role in accelerating our growth journey and further strengthening Revolt’s position as India’s No.1 electric motorcycle brand.”

Rao is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business (General Management Program), holds a B.Tech degree from BITS Pilani, and a PGCSM from XLRI Jamshedpur.

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Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the new Thar with prices starting at INR 999,000. The vehicle incorporates design changes, comfort features and technology integration, engineered for urban travel and weekend adventures.

The popular SUV has gone home to over 300,000 customers, now features a new exterior, which includes a front grille, a dual-tone front bumper and R18 alloy wheels. The interior includes a black theme dashboard and a new steering wheel. It is available in six colour options, including two new additions: Tango Red and Battleship Grey.

For comfort and convenience, the Thar features rear AC vents for second-row passengers, a sliding armrest and a dead pedal (automatic transmission models). Door-mounted power windows, a rear-view camera and an internally operated fuel lid are included. The vehicle also has a rear wash & wiper and an A-Pillar entry assist handle.

The Thar is equipped with a 26.03 cm HD infotainment screen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other tech includes Type-C USB ports and Adventure Stats Gen II, which provides off-road data such as a racing tab, altimeter, outside temperature and pressure, trip meter and steering direction.

Mahindra offers a range of engine options paired with transmissions – a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic – in RWD as well as 4X4 configurations.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Over the years, Thar has become more than just an SUV – it’s a symbol of freedom, adventure, and a lifestyle that resonates deeply with our customers. At Mahindra, we are committed to listening to our customers and evolving with their needs, which is why the New Thar reflects both their feedback and our dedication to provide the best to our customers. By blending new design elements, smart technology, enhanced comfort and convenience features, the new Thar offers an unparalleled driving experience that empowers our customers to explore limitless possibilities in both urban and off-road settings.”

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Stellantis-owned Citroen India has launched the new Aircross X SUV, the latest addition to its premium X-Series portfolio, with an introductory price starting at INR 829,000. The launch, the company said, is a key step in the brand’s Citroen 2.0 ‘Shift Into the New’ strategy, positioning the SUV as a feature-rich, spacious option for Indian customers.

The new Aircross X elevates its segment with significant interior and technology upgrades. The cabin features an enriched design with a leatherette-wrapped instrument panel, chic gold accents and a bezel-less 10.25-inch infotainment screen paired with a 7-inch digital cluster. Comfort is enhanced with ventilated leatherette seats, diffused ambient lighting and the brand’s signature Advanced Comfort Suspension.

A standout feature is the introduction of CARA, billed as India’s first multilingual, intuitive in-car companion. CARA can communicate in 52 languages, control essential vehicle functions and prioritise safety with voice SOS and crash alerts. Driving convenience is further improved with Proxi-Sense Passive Entry, Cruise Control and a HALO 360deg Camera with Satellite View.

Emphasising the model’s safety credentials, the launch follows the recent 5-star Adult protection rating awarded to the Aircross 5S variant in the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP).

The New Aircross X is available in 5- and 7-seater configurations with options for both ICE and CNG engines. Bookings are now open across all Citroen dealerships and online.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “The new Aircross X is an SUV designed around the real needs of Indian families – space, comfort, safety and smart innovation. With the debut of CARA, we’re making everyday mobility more intuitive and personal. What makes the New Aircross X unique is that it blends the practicality of a family SUV with the premium feel of our X-Series design. It is a versatile SUV that’s aspirational, yet accessible.”

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