Car Articles

Read articles on cars and car industry. Get fully updated on all information related to cars. Read exciting happening in the Indian and Global Car industry, tips to help you and more...

Old Articles

Pre-Owned Cars - A Strong Segment in the Making

Since the first car rolled out on Indian roads in the early 19th century, the Indian car market has seen many fluctuations and developments. Automobile majors worldwide are zeroing in to tighten their clutches and enlarge their territory on the fertile Indian market. Global recession is taking its toll on the auto industry even in India due to which the Used Car Market, which has found its value in the last few years, has strengthened more than ever.

Second hand cars have been in the Indian Auto market for years, but because of the unorganized and risky nature of buying used cars from dealers without certification, used cars were unable to become a significant part of auto industry in the country. Now with major car manufacturers stepping into this industry, customers are opting to buy used car models that hold a manufacturer's guarantee because used cars are cheaper and more affordable than new cars.

The competition between the New Car and Used Car market has reached its peak with the Big B's of the car manufacturing industry coming forward to participate in the battle. Check out the first five major manufacturers who forayed into the used car industry in India.

True Value – Maruti

Maruti came into the Indian Auto Industry with their small car 800, which revolutionised the way people moved on Indian roads, and since then it has been one of the best car selling brands in the country. In the year 2002, MUL entered into the pre-owned car industry and Maruti “True Value” gained No.1 position and has a dealer network all over India. With 300+ outlets in 180+ cities, it is still on the path of expanding. There are many advantages for “True Value” cars, which makes it popular. A thorough 120-point check by certified engineers to ensure the cars they sell are still almost as good as a new car. Used and worn parts are replaced by genuine Maruti parts. The service also gives Maruti Suzuki certification and a warranty of up to 1 year. They have attractive exchange options and provide easy and convenient financing as well. Selling of used cars is also made easy here. Due to “True Value” transparent evaluations, a right price for the car is fixed and the payment given is prompt and in full. Many offers also add attraction to this process like an exchange bonus on the exchange of an old car with a new Maruti Suzuki.

First Choice - Mahindra and Mahindra

Inaugurated in 2007, “First Choice” is a part of the Mahindra automotive group. “First Choice” is another competitor in the pre-owned car market in India. HDFC is the financial promoter and other established retail operators also back this venture. “First Choice” in India has grown as the largest multi-branded used car company. The company is missioned to give excellent services and the largest choice to customers with unique and high-class automobiles and related products. With high transparency in dealing and good quality used cars, it has won the trust of its customers. Warranty on the cars engine and transmission, mega carnivals to display large number of cars under one roof, convenient finance options, and assistance in paper work are the major facilities provided by “First Choice”. With more investments to come in, the company is optimistic of opening more than 200 outlets in the next two to three years.

Toyota U Trust - Toyota

Taking cue from the primers, Toyota's Indian arm Toyota Kirloskar Motor also ventured into the pre-owned car market. The company is named as “Toyota U Trust”. Launched in 2007, the company promises a truly global experience for customers who opt for used cars. An expert team works on the evaluation of used cars to assure the highest standards to their customers. “Toyota U Trust” caters to customers who are ready to exchange their cars for competitively priced pre-owned Toyota cars. Toyota promises to provide a wide range of value added services and finance options at the “Toyota U Trust” outlets. It is employed with highly qualified company engineers for the evaluation process to deliver cars to customers in very good condition.

Chevrolet OK- General Motors

General Motors, the car manufacturer major who is struggling in the clutches of global financial meltdown is out with a new venture coined “Chevrolet OK”, which deals with used cars. Inaugurated in the year 2009, the venture is slowly catching pace, and has opened ten outlets in the metros. With the brand name of GM, surely they will have the trust associated with it and buyers are sure to have quality pre-owned cars to choose from.

Auto Terrace - Honda

Japanese auto major, Honda Siel Cars Ltd, has been serving their customers with value-added cars and services apart from premium quality Honda vehicles. They are among the latest to be a member of the used car bandwagon. Their venture is named “Auto Terrace” and has paved a system for evaluating cars from all brands and is fast gaining popularity. With the 23+ dealers across the country, they promise to deliver better transparency in the used cars segment.

It's not only these car majors who are competing in the used car market, Ford India and Hyundai are also gaining popularity. With more and more players coming to this new segment, the healthy competition will surely give buyers cars with optimum quality.

» Read more Articles On Used Cars