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. 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German luxury brand BMW India has opened bookings for the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, which is set to be launched on 17 July 2025.

The car is set to be produced at BMW Group Plant in Chennai. Priced at INR 4.4 million, it features a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, delivering 156 hp between 4,900-6,000 rpm and 230 Nm of peak torque from 1,500-4,600 rpm. This engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It boasts a claimed fuel efficiency of 16.35 kmpl, a top speed of 230 kmph, and can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 8.6 seconds.

In its second generation, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe sports a more striking design and enhanced sporty appeal. Its revamped interior sports youthfulness and is designed with the driver in mind.

Targetted towards the new-age customers, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe gets a host of smart and innovative features, such as the BMW Widescreen Curved display, digital services based on the BMW Operating System 9.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

British luxury marquee brand Range Rover is set to broaden its SV offering in late 2025 with the introduction of the Range Rover SV Black. This new derivative will join the existing SV Serenity and SV Intrepid models, each presenting a distinct take on modern luxury, from the ‘dipped in black’ theme of the SV Black to the bold dynamism of SV Intrepid and the elevated luxury of SV Serenity.

Beyond visual enhancements, Range Rover is also upgrading in-car audio and wellness with the exclusive introduction of Rear Body-And-Soul-Seat (BASS) and Sensory Floor technology on flagship SV models. This the company shared marks a world-first, with BASS now standard across the entire SV range. The innovative Sensory Floor technology, available on updated SV models, integrates haptic feedback through the floor mats, complementing the BASS transducers in the seats. This creates an unparalleled, full-body audio experience, allowing occupants to physically feel music and enhance relaxation through six dedicated wellness programmes. These programmes, ranging from 'Calm' to 'Invigorating', are designed to reduce stress and improve concentration. The new technology will be fitted as standard to the front passenger and rear footwells of all long-wheelbase Range Rover SV models.

In a further industry first, Range Rover will introduce Pirelli P Zero tyres across its range from later in 2025. These specially developed tyres boast over 70 percent bio-based and recycled materials, including silica from rice husks and FSC-certified natural rubber, balancing high performance, durability and sustainability. They'll initially be available on selected 22-inch wheel options.

The Range Rover SV Black is a celebration of the all-black aesthetic, creating what the company claims is the most discreet and stealthy Range Rover to date. Its exterior is finished in Narvik Gloss Black, complemented by a polished Gloss Black mesh grille, Gloss Black bonnet lettering, and subtle dark gloss grille oval. Profile enhancements include 23-inch alloy wheels with a Gloss Black finish, subtly branded Gloss Black brake callipers, and a black ceramic SV roundel at the rear.

On the inside, the cabin features satin black finishes with Near-Aniline Ebony leather, distinctive perforations and unique stitching. Black birch veneers and a satin black ceramic gear shifter add to the tactile luxury. Moonlight Chrome detailing extends throughout the cabin, creating a dark, jewel-like ambience.

The Range Rover SV Black will be available for order in late 2025 in five-seat standard wheelbase, or four- or five-seat long wheelbase configurations, powered by a 615PS V8 engine. It will make its preview debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK from 10-13 July 2025, alongside the newly announced Range Rover Sport SV Black.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has officially launched the new XUV 3XO REVX series, with prices starting at an attractive INR 894,000 (ex-showroom).

This expansion of the XUV 3XO portfolio follows the SUV's remarkable achievement of over 100,000 units sales in under a year, making it Mahindra's fastest SUV to reach this milestone.

The REVX series aims to offer compelling value through premium features, distinctive styling and segment-leading performance, catering to customers who desire vehicles that reflect their individual personality, echoing the ‘Different is in’ philosophy.

The lineup includes the REVX M INR 894,000) with a 1.2L mStallion TCMPFi engine, offering a bold exterior, black leatherette seats and extensive safety features including six airbags. The REVX M(O) INR 944,000) enhances this with a single-pane sunroof, while the REVX A (starting at INR 1.17 million) features a more powerful 1.2L mStallion TGDi engine, a panoramic sunroof, twin HD screens and Adrenox Connect.

All three variants are available in Galaxy Grey, Tango Red, Nebula Blue, Everest White and Stealth Black colour options.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German luxury automotive brand BMW Group India has appointed Hardeep Singh Brar as the new President and Chief Executive Officer effective 1 September 2025. He succeeds Vikram Pawah, who now takes charge as CEO of BMW Group Australia and New Zealand.

With over three decades of experience in the Indian automotive industry, Brar has held several senior management positions across Maruti Suzuki India, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, General Motors, Nissan Motor India and Great Wall Motor Company. Most recently, he was the Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Kia India.

Jean-Philippe Parain, Senior Vice-President, Region Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, BMW Group, said, “India is among the fastest growing markets for BMW Group and an important pillar of our long-term success strategy for the region. Hardeep Singh Brar holds vast expertise and an intricate understating of Indian automotive industry to lead this dynamic market and strengthen BMW Group’s operations here. We would like to thank Vikram Pawah for his immense contribution towards strategic growth of BMW Group India and playing a decisive role in its recent development.”

Pawah has been with the BMW Group since 2017 and successfully led the company’s operations in both India (2017 – 2018 and 2020 – 2025) as well as Australia (2018 – 2020). He is credited to expand the company’s market share in India, taking electric mobility, digitalisation, retail experience and customer centricity to the next level.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!