AstaGuru will showcase some of the world’s most coveted vintage and classic cars at its upcoming ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction, which will take place from 20 to 22 November 2024.

The auction will offer an exclusive collection of rare and meticulously curated vintage cars, providing a unique opportunity for collectors and automotive enthusiasts to acquire iconic pieces of automotive history.

The auction will feature an impressive lineup of vehicles, including a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Limousine, a 1946 Singer Nine Roadster, a 1946 Bentley Mark VI, a 1947 Lincoln Continental V12 Convertible and a 1948 Jaguar Mark IV, among others. These stunning machines, each a testament to the engineering marvels of their era, promise to transport bidders back in time, celebrating the golden age of motoring.

A Growing Market in India

AstaGuru’s Vintage and Classic Car Specialist, Muzammil Kazi, shared his insights on the evolution of the vintage car market in India. “We did our first auction in 2018, and it was a surprising success,” Kazi noted. “At the time, these cars weren’t available online or marketed in the way they are now. You’d have to go to a dealer or connect with a seller directly, which made it hard to find these rare cars. But our first auction was a hit, with all lots selling successfully.”

The vintage car market in India, according to Kazi, is far from saturated. “The market is 100 percent growing. These cars were imported to India in limited quantities, and you wouldn’t find brands like Ford or General Motors here in the same way as abroad. Cars like the Fiat, Ambassador, or old Maruti SS80 were more common, but the rare vintage gems we are showcasing today are difficult to find.”

Kazi also emphasised that the scarcity of such cars means the market still has significant potential for growth. “The cars we have on display today are curated from various collectors across India, and it’s very rare to see them come together in one auction,” he explained.

Safeguarding Online Bidders

AstaGuru’s online auction platform also ensures that bidders are fully protected throughout the process. “We have a strong set of terms and conditions for the cars we sell,” Kazi explained. “We only auction cars with up-to-date paperwork and in proper running condition. Once a car is sold, we ensure the buyer receives it only after the seller submits a No Objection Certificate (NOC), making the transaction smooth and secure.”

Record-Breaking Bids

The auction has seen some impressive bids in the past. Kazi highlighted one of the highest bids to date: a Mercedes-Benz 111 230S, which was estimated at INR 2.1 million but eventually sold for INR 6.8 million. Another standout was a Rolls-Royce, which had an estimated value of INR 7-8 million but sold for a remarkable INR 18 million.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

For classic car enthusiasts and connoisseurs, the ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction represents an unmissable opportunity to acquire some of the rarest and most beautifully restored vehicles in the world. With its rich history and pedigree, each car in the auction is a testament to the artistry and engineering excellence that defined its era. Whether a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage automobiles, this event promises a truly memorable experience for all involved.

As the vintage car market continues to grow in India, AstaGuru is setting the stage for an exciting future for collectors and car lovers alike. The ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction is expected to draw attention from around the world, offering a rare chance to own a piece of automotive history.

                                                                                                               
BMW Group India has announced the launch of Deutsche Motoren’s Retail.NEXT showroom in Central Delhi. It is located in Safdarjung Enclave and has Yadur Kapur as the Deutsche Motoren principal.  
Deutsche Motoren has a total of six sales and three service facilities in Delhi and Bengaluru.

Stating that the enduring partnership with BMW Group India is a testament to his company’s shared commitment to excellence and innovation, Kapur commented about the new development: “The success we have witnessed in the Delhi and Bengaluru markets underscores this strong collaboration. With the launch of our new Retail.NEXT showroom in Delhi, we are elevating the luxury automotive retail experience, setting new benchmarks in customer service and engagement. This milestone reaffirms our dedication to providing BMW customers in Delhi with an unparalleled journey of luxury and sophistication."

Set to redefine the automotive retail experience in the luxury automotive segment, Retail.NEXT will blend digital innovation with personalised service, offering a dynamic and engaging environment. The layout features open spaces with minimalist design elements, allowing for an intuitive flow through the showroom.

High-tech digital interfaces are integrated throughout the facility, enabling prospects to explore vehicle features, customize their preferences, and receive tailored recommendations. Additionally, the design incorporates exclusive areas for private consultations and vehicle handovers, ensuring that every interaction is as personalised and memorable as possible. 
“The inauguration of the new Deutsche Motoren Retail.NEXT showroom in Delhi marks a pivotal step in our vision for the future of luxury automotive retail in India. As a key market, Delhi embodies innovation and exclusivity, making it the perfect location to introduce our progressive Retail.NEXT concept. By integrating cutting-edge digital engagement with a sophisticated physical space, we are redefining the dealership experience to be more immersive, seamless, and customer-centric. This milestone reflects our commitment to shaping the future of luxury retail, and we appreciate our strong partnership with Deutsche Motoren in driving this transformation forward,” said Vikram Pawah, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group India, said. 

The ultra-modern showroom is spread over 5,835 sq. ft. and showcases six BMW vehicles from the BMW M, BMW i and BMW portfolio. A dedicated vehicle handover lounge is thoughtfully designed to ensure each customer’s car delivery is a truly memorable experience. Latest range of BMW merchandise and accessories are on display at the lifestyle and accessories zone. The customer interaction lounge offers a relaxed ambience to discuss various aspects of owning a BMW vehicle.
The Customer Consultation Stages are located strategically throughout the showroom. The service consultation takes place where the client wants it and what fits the situation. The unique living room atmosphere and the cozy positioning of the seating close to cars creates a relaxed environment for consultation. Personal Service Advisor (PSA) and BMW Geniuses are equipped with innovative digital sales tools to provide comprehensive information on product features and services.

Further, prospects can also leverage BMW BEVScape - a state-of-the-art, interactive digital tool delivers complete clarity on EV ownership and empowering them to make informed decisions with ease.
 

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co has announced changes to its senior management, which it shared is a renewed leadership line-up to achieve the company's short- and mid-term objectives while positioning it for long-term growth.

Ivan Espinosa, currently chief planning officer, is set to succeed Makota Uchida as the representative Executive Officer, President and CEO from 1 April 2025.

Furthermore, Guillaume Cartier, chief performance officer and chairperson of the Management Committee for AMIEO, will now also be responsible for global marketing and customer experience.

Eiichi Akashi, currently corporate vice president (CVP) of the Vehicle Planning and Vehicle Component Engineering Division, will succeed Kunio Nakaguro as Chief Technology Officer and executive officer.

Furthermore, Teiji Hirata, currently CVP of Vehicle Production Engineering and Development Division, will take on the role of Chief Monozukuri Officer and Executive Officer, responsible for Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, succeeding Hideyuki Sakamoto.

Jeremy Papin, Chief Financial Officer, is also appointed executive officer.

Stephen Ma, Chairperson of the Management Committee for China; Mitsuro Antoku, chief quality officer; and Toru Ihara, chief HR officer will continue in their current roles.

Uchida and Sakamoto will retain their position of director until the annual general meeting of shareholders planned for June.

In addition to Nakaguro, Sakamoto and Uchida, Asako Hoshino, Chief Brand & Customer Officer; Hideaki Watanabe, Chief Strategy & Corporate Affairs Officer are also set to step down from their current position on 31 March 2025.

Japanese automotive major Honda Motor Co has appointed Takashi Nakajima as the new President and CEO of Honda Cars India (HCIL) effective 1 April 2025.

He will succeed Takuya Tsumura, who is set to move to Japan at Honda head office after completing his India tenure.

The carmaker shared that Tsumura played a key role in strengthening Honda Cars India’s brand positioning in the country, along with driving profitability and customer centric solutions. He played a key role in introducing new models including the Honda City e:HEV, Honda Elevate SUV, 3rd Gen Amaze.

Tsumura is also credited for laying a strong foundation for future model launches including Honda’s first electric vehicle for India.

On the other hand, Nakajima joined Honda in 1994 and has been associated with Honda Motor Co. for more than three decades. He comes with vast experience working in several international markets such as Japan, China, Spain, Czech Republic and Russia. He has held different roles across Business Planning, Product Planning, Marketing and Sales Promotion. He last severed as the President of Honda Motor Russia since 2021.

Škoda Auto India has launched a campaign for Kylaq compact SUV in collaboration with Publicis India. It includes a film, ‘Own Your Dream’ that has actor Ranveer Singh as the brand ambassador along with the vehicle. The advertising campaign will be translated in multiple regional languages, signalling a bold step in Škoda’s journey to expand its footprint across India, from Metropolitan regions to Tier-2, Tier-3 and beyond, while redefining the aspirations of a new generation of Indian consumers.
The Kylaq is Skoda Auto’s first sub-four metre SUV that has received appreciation for its ability to score high in areas like handling dynamics, build, styling etc. The company has maintained that the vehicle underlines the meeting of European engineering with an understanding of the Indian motorists, highlighting a fresh, consumer-first approach. 
Commenting on the campaign, Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “2025 is a landmark year for us in India and globally. It marks the advent of the New Era for us in India with a slew of activities and actions headlined by the Škoda Kylaq and our product offensive strategy. The Kylaq will build the Škoda brand further in existing and new markets across India, inspiring customers across tier II-IV markets. Our film, ‘Own Your Dream,’ beautifully captures the synergy between the unstoppable Kylaq, the new aspirations and emotions of our customers, and the electrifying personality of Ranveer Singh. Just like our all-new SUV, the Kylaq campaign will resonate with those who aspire for something more than the ordinary.”