The Indian Blue Book (IBB) report by Car&Bike and Das WeltAuto (the used car division of Volkswagen) has underlined a significant uptake in used car sales in the country. As per the report, the sale of used cars is expected to reach 10.92 million units by FY2027-28 as the supply of good quality cars that were bought post the covid years starts to grow in the market. 

Valued at USD 31.33 billion in FY2022-23 as per the sixth edition of IBB report, the used car market in India is currently witnessing higher demand versus supply in response to the drastic slowdown in new car purchases in the Covid fiscal (FY2020-21).  

Expected to more than double to USD 70.48 billion in FY2027-28 as high-quality passenger vehicles bought in the years after the pandemic, the Indian used car market is in for a good show.

Roughly linked to a phenomenon where the slowdown in purchase of new cars leads to a surge in the demand for used cars, the arrival of passenger vehicles no more than 3.5 to five years of age, the used car market in India is expected to experience good momentum. It is also expected to see some formalisation, according to source, but grow nonetheless on the organised side as well as the unorganised side. The organised side of the used car market in the country is currently an estimated 35 percent. 

As owners of new cars purchased post the pandemic period decide to upgrade, the buyers of used cars are expected to get to choose from high-quality cars, albeit with records and a higher residual value. Budget buyers looking at quality pre-owned cars on the back of being more informed about car technicalities, the present situation points at an increasing availability of cars that are not just well maintained, but are also replete with a good safety kit among other attributes. An example of such an offering is the Volkswagen Taigun, which has managed to retain 80 percent of its residual value after three years unlike the models sold by the German automaker earlier.  

With the make, model and variant turning out to be a big consideration among 71 percent used car buyers, the tendency of buyers to inform themselves well is increasingly witnessed as per the BBI report. Stressing on the fact that majority of buyers are highly budget conscious (63 percent) even as they look for quality cars, the report highlights a pull towards used cars that offer a better safety kit and safety rating. The Volkswagen Taigun for example, is five-star GNCAP rated. 

The sixth edition of the BBI – walking the foot steps of the earlier edition – highlights the fact that 71 percent of the used car buyers also acknowledged overall repairs and servicing costs as a big consideration.

About 45 percent of buyers/intenders prefer local dealers for exploring, followed by auto tech start-ups (26 percent) and OEM backed brands (23 percent). In terms of awareness and preferences of car leasing, 28 percent of buyers were found to be aware of the concept. The indication, as per the report, is that 62 percent of used car buyers would avail of the same in the future.

In the case of used car buyers, warranty and financial assistance topped the list of demands as a service. A majority of them – 56 percent of them – did not prefer an EV used car.

From the vehicle seller’s perspective, 59 percent of them reasoned that they wanted to upgrade to a new vehicle as the reason to do away with their existing set of wheels. Some of them reasoned that it was the sufficiency of having another vehicle. The extra cars bought during Covid-19 period are being sold now, the sixth edition of BBI report highlights. 

What has been aiding the arrival of high-quality cars that were bought during the post pandemic period is being attributed to the fast tracking of auto technology. Automotive tech startups and OEM backed companies are ensuring that the actual Turn Around Time (TAT) to sell a car is down to three days! 

Full payment within 24 hours remains the top priority for sellers followed by vehicle inspection at a location of their choice.

“The pre-owned car market is significantly growing with the potential of it being double by FY2028. The growth primarily comes from the evolving trends and customer preferences while selecting a pre-owned vehicle. A notable shift is the top priority for safety features, a transition similar to the new car industry, enabling a brand like Volkswagen, to be more accessible and in-demand for customers with our 5-star GNCAP rated product portfolio – Taigun and Virtus. The high preference for safety features and standards among customers is positively impacting the residual value of Volkswagen cars, especially the Taigun. We are confident the Das WeltAuto. business, will continue to grow as one of the top certified pre-owned car brands in India for customers,” said Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India.

Ashutosh Pandey, CEO & MD, Mahindra First Choice, averred, “The latest edition of the Indian Blue Book, a collaboration with Das WeltAuto. by Volkswagen, reinforces our confidence in the Indian pre-owned car market's explosive growth potential. The increasing involvement of organized players is bringing stability and trust to this market; achieving consistent profitability and providing superlative customer experience remains the top priorities for organised players.” 

Mahindra First Choice Wheels-backed Indian Blue Book launched the first edition in 2015 to highlight the trends in the used car industry in India. Since then, the annual report has been established as the largest and most intensive primary research conducted in India. Since 2022 Das WeltAuto., the pre-owned car brand of Volkswagen, and Car&Bike, a 100 percent subsidiary of Mahindra First Choice Wheels, have co-curated this research report. 

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has marked 20 years of the Innova SUV in India, with cumulative sales of over 1.2 million units across the Innova, Innova Crysta and Innova HyCross models.

Launched in 2005, the Innova set a new benchmark in the MPV segment with its combination of ride comfort, spacious interiors, durable build and advanced safety features. The Innova Crysta followed in 2016 with a new design, more powerful engines and premium features, while the 2022 Innova HyCross introduced self-charging hybrid technology, delivering 186 PS of combined output and segment-leading fuel efficiency. The HyCross has sold 100,000 units in India since its launch.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President – Sales, Service and Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The Toyota Innova has built a deep emotional bond with customers over the last two decades – trusted as a dependable companion for families, loved by all for its comfort and reliability and chosen time and again across generations. Whether for daily commutes or memorable road trips, the Innova has remained a part of countless personal journeys. Beyond its emotional connect, the Innova stands strong as a product benchmark – offering spacious interiors, robust build quality and smooth drivability, making it one of the most trusted and loved MPVs in India.”

Toyota attributed the Innova’s sustained popularity to its comfort, practicality, and adaptability, supported by customer-focused enhancements and the company’s after-sales ecosystem, T CARE, which offers services from quick delivery to value-added protection and transparent maintenance.

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Tata Motors, one of India’s leading SUV manufacturers, has unveiled the all-new Adventure X Persona variants for the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari SUVs.

The new variant now equips the Harrier and Safari Adventure Persona with many segment-first ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (AT), 360deg HD Surround View, Trail Hold EPB with Auto Hold, Trail Response Modes (Normal, Rough, Wet), a Land Rover-derived Command Shifter (AT), along with segment-leading features such as the Ergo Lux Driver Seat with Memory & Welcome function, a 26.03 cm Ultra-View Twin Screen System, Trail Sense Auto Headlamps, Aqua Sense Wipers and Multi Drive Modes (City, Sport, Eco). 

The persona edition starts at INR 1.89 million for the Harrier Adventure X and INR 1.99 million for the Safari Adventure X+ variants.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said, "The Harrier and Safari have always stood for more than just mobility – they represent status, purpose, and a deep-rooted desire for an adventurous lifestyle. With the introduction of the Adventure X persona, we’ve modernised these icons for a new era – one that champions individuality, precision-crafted design, and intelligent capability – all while offering more value per car. Designed for those who seek authenticity, capability and expression in equal measure, the Adventure X is positioned at a compelling price point in the segment, offering class leading features. Furthermore, with this new persona, we have also reimagined the Harrier and Safari line completely, making the range more intuitive, streamlined and value-rich than ever before in the high SUV space.”

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Audi has introduced an enhanced warranty and roadside assistance programme in India, providing customers with extended protection and support. The luxury automaker now offers a 10-year extended warranty option, complementing its standard manufacturer’s warranty. This optional coverage safeguards against manufacturing defects for vehicles up to a decade old, with mileage protection extending to 200,000 kilometres. Customers can choose between one or two-year extensions with terms matching the original warranty. The programme is available for all Audi models and can be purchased either at the time of new vehicle delivery or before the existing warranty expires.

Alongside the warranty extension, Audi has expanded its roadside assistance programme to 15 years, delivering round-the-clock emergency support across India’s national and state highways, as well as other motorable roads. Services include towing, technical assistance for minor issues, fuel delivery, battery boosts, tyre repair and lockout support. Premium features such as hotel accommodations for prolonged repairs, vehicle safekeeping and dedicated customer updates further enhance the offering. Pricing for roadside assistance starts at INR 3,999, with options tailored to different vehicle ages and coverage durations.

Both new and existing Audi customers can benefit from these programmes, with current owners eligible to upgrade based on their vehicle’s age and warranty status. This initiative underscores Audi’s commitment to delivering superior ownership experiences in India’s luxury automotive market.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “At Audi India, we believe that our relationship with customers extends far beyond the point of purchase. Our extended warranty and Audi Roadside Assistance Programme is an extension of our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and establish new industry standards for luxury automotive service in India. With a 10-year extended warranty and 15-year roadside assistance, we intend to offer our customers an unparalleled peace of mind, knowing that support is always available.”

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Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that its popular hatchback the ‘Wagon R’ series has achieved a new sales milestone.

First introduced in September 1993 in Japan, the Wagon R has now crossed cumulative global sales of 10 million units by June 2025. The milestone was achieved 31 years and 9 months after the first launch.

The Wagon R was originally developed as a semi-bonnet style mini wagon, designed with rider comfort and ease of use in mind. It has become one of Suzuki’s signature models, widely appreciated in Japan.

Over the years, production expanded beyond Japan to countries including India, Hungary and Indonesia, with the model evolving to suit local market needs. The technologies refined for global minicar standards have been applied across the Wagon R series.

To date, the Wagon R has been sold in over 75 countries and regions, including Japan, India and across Europe. The series has consistently improved in terms of fuel efficiency, environmental performance, and user convenience. For instance, CNG variants with enhanced fuel economy have been introduced in India, while the Wagon R Smile – featuring sliding doors – was launched in Japan.

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