Volkswagen Passenger Cars India announced the commencement of its Autofest Mega Exchange Carnival 2024. The programme would offer customers a chance to upgrade to a new Volkswagen car with exciting benefits and deals available from third July to 20 July 2024. 

The programme also marks the rebranding of used car business by Volkswagen from Das WeltAuto to ‘Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned’. The move is in line with the brand’s global positioning and aimed at leveraging the strength and trust of the core Volkswagen brand, enhancing the pre-owned car programme's visibility and value in the India market. 

Volkswagen opened its first rebranded ‘Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned’ car showroom in Coimbatore recently. By successfully operating a successful multi-brand pre-owned car business with emphasis on Volkswagen branded models, the ‘Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned’ brand is keen to provide refurbished, certificated and warranty enabled cars wherever applicable through its retail channel. 

While doing so, the Brand aspires to create a proposition that sets it apart from industry peers thanks to a frictionless and fully digitised customer journey through the rebranding initiative. 

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, mentioned, “Today, we are delighted to announce the start of Autofest Mega Exchange Carnival that will give customers a chance to upgrade to a new Volkswagen car. With Autofest customers can avail exciting deals and offers that are available for a limited time period. As we continue to holistically focus on the Indian car market, we are also focusing on offering customers strong residual value in their new Volkswagen cars.”

“We have also announced the strategic rebranding of our used car business to ‘Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned’ and also launched the first rebranded store in Coimbatore. Rebranding our used car business aligns with the global positioning of this business vertical for the Brand, while also emphasising more on the trust that the Volkswagen Brand name commands. This move will help us better serve the growing demand for pre-owned vehicles, providing customers with high-quality, certified cars that they can rely on. We have already witnessed strong demand during first half of this year and we expect this momentum to grow stronger during the festive season,” he added. 

The rebranding from Das WeltAuto to ‘Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned’ comes at a time of growing demand for pre-owned cars in the Indian market as prices of new cars soar higher, making even the run of the mill automobiles unaffordable for many who aspire them to have. 

While the used car valuation – in line with the drastic rise in new car prices – has been increased quite a bit, it is satisfying the need for those who aspire or require to have a vehicle to commute or take their family out without breaking the bank for a new car that has a life of 15 years after all. 

Experiencing a ten-fold growth in volumes over the last five years, the automaker’s retail sales of pre-owned cars through the channel have witnessed a growth of 12 percent last year, a trend that has continued into the first half of 2024. It is the Tier 2 towns that have emerged as a notable driver of this growth, contributing significantly to the increasing demand. 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!