As more and more people look at used cars in the wake of the exorbitant new car prices, the prices of used cars in India seem to exceed in speed than the period rise in new car prices. This is despite the fact that interest rates on funding availed for used cars is often much higher than what is availed for new cars. 

Despite the used car interest rates above 12-13 percent as compared to new car interest rates, which are in the region of six to seven percent, many used car buyers of vehicle that are less than four years of age are opting for finance as they find these vehicles of better value, mentioned an industry source. 

They seem to be less deterred by the fact that used car prices are rising faster than the new car prices owing to the fact that there is more demand than supply in the case of some of the fast-moving models, he added 

With the festive season a month or two away, automakers are busy working on new, exciting cars and SUVs. They are unveiling them in the run up to a commercial launch around Dusshera. 

Another round of price hike is expected at that time in the case of new cars, the source claimed. It is usually the third quarter when the automotive market experiences good traction, he informed. 

On the used car front, monsoon is a dull season followed by an exciting festive season. What is however surprising is the amount of price movement in the used car market in the monsoon season. There is a good deal of volatility in the used car market, mentioned an owner of a used car showroom in Mumbai. 

Good cars bought just before Covid-19 or after it are starting to visit the used car market but their supply – that of some models – is far less than the demand. This is leading to higher asking rates for them at used car outlets. The ripple effect is, cars in the same segments or even others see a demand and hence a price increase as buyers turn their attention to them, he explained. 

If the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI is maintaining its price in the used car market closer to the new car price, consider the 2019 petrol Polo on sale at a used car dealership in central region of Mumbai. At a dealer with good capital investment and years of experience in this business, albeit at the unorganised end of the market, the respective car with about 39,000 km on the odometer is priced at INR 550,000. 

A 2019 petrol Polo with the same colour and the same trim level is priced at INR 500,000 with a used car dealer in Than. It is run 27,000 km and is also a first owner vehicle.

The trend indicates market volatility and also highlights the unorganised nature of the used car market. Prices here are subject to what is available in the market in what quantities and how or what kind of demand there is for those models in the market. 

In the last few weeks, I have observed that the used car market has steadily move up in terms of the prices of cars it sells. It seems to rise faster than the prices of new cars are rising at this moment in time. 

For those who seek their first set of wheels are keen to polish their driving skills, there are hardly any cars that cost less than INR 100,000. Those that are available are either third or fourth owner ones. They come across as either abused or on an extended lease of life post the fifteen-year period. In Delhi NCR, the rule that petrol cars of more than 15 years of age and diesel cars of more than 10 years of age cannot ply in the respective region means used car prices are higher. The balancing bit is the total car parc in that region. 

Citing the example of a first owner 2009 Toyota Corolla Altis with about 120,000 km on the odometer priced at roughly INR 160,000 with a dealer in a Mumbai suburb, a source aware of how the automotive market functions, showed the same being advertised by another used car dealer in the same suburb at INR 225,000! How can a price rise of the same car rise like this in a week’s time? he questioned. 

Terming such developments and the high prices quoted by organised players such as CARS24 or Spinny for the cars that offer an indication of demand outpacing supply, the source mentioned that there is an amount of volatility in the market and it would serve to look for a good car, get it checked thoroughly and exercise a lot of patience to get a good deal. 

Referring to reports by some organised players in the used car market stating that the first quarter of the current fiscal has seen good traction as salaried professionals in bigger and smaller cities turn to used cars after getting a bonus or an increment, the source averred that they ought to be careful when making such a purchase. 

A limited information about a car on the used car market or the lack of transparency of the dealer offering it, are some the big risks involved, he quipped. Irrespective of whether the used car outlet belongs to an organised player or is a stand-alone unorganised enterprise, the risk of buying a used car pertains to the credibility of such a business, how sincere the dealer is in stating information about the car, its papers and service history. In the case of high value purchases, many buyers are known to arrange for a check-up with the dealership to get a good idea about the ‘real’ condition of the vehicle at a certain fee. 

But at the lower price band of the used car market, such a facility is often not available. While entities like Zekardo offer new car inspection and report in view of the investment being made, there is none who could di the same in the used car market. 

With prices moving up smartly – a 2006 WagonR of good condition is priced at INR 140,000 by a dealer in Mumbai – in the used car market in India even for cars that are over 15 years old and leading their first, second or even third ‘green tax extension, the market does look to be quite volatile and overpriced. 

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Automotive major Stellantis has announced the formation of the Europe Supplier Advisory Council, a forum intended to increase collaboration between the carmaker and its supply chain. The council brings together senior Stellantis leadership and 26 supplier partners representing various automotive technologies and commodities.

The council will convene for three sessions during 2026, with each meeting lasting 1.5 days. The initiative includes participation from major European supplier associations, ANFIA and FIEV, to provide a collective voice for the regional supply base.

The Council's primary functions include:

• Operational Efficiency: Identifying bottlenecks and improvement opportunities across the value chain.
• Strategic Workstreams: Establishing joint Stellantis-supplier groups focused on production planning, cost competitiveness and operational excellence.
• Innovation Readiness: Accelerating the deployment of new technologies and ensuring launch readiness for future vehicle programmes.
• Regulatory Alignment: Addressing European Union regulatory requirements and geopolitical instability.

The council is designed to modernise supplier partnerships amid technological shifts and market volatility. By co-leading workstreams, Stellantis and its partners aim to align performance expectations and enhance the resilience of the European manufacturing and R&D platforms.

Emanuele Cappellano, COO, Stellantis Europe, said, “The launch of the Europe Supplier Advisory Council represents an important milestone in our journey to strengthen the region’s industrial performance. Today, more than ever, our success depends on deep collaboration with our supplier partners. By creating a shared forum where we openly discuss challenges and opportunities, we are building the foundation for faster execution, stronger competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Europe.”

Stephane Dubs, SVP of Purchasing and Supplier Quality for Stellantis Europe, added, “Our suppliers are essential contributors to Stellantis’ transformation. This new Council allows us to work side-by-side, with transparency and respect, to co-create solutions that benefit both sides. Together, we will address the critical issues shaping our industry—whether in quality, launch readiness, cost competitiveness, innovation, or supply chain resilience—and turn them into strategic advantages for our entire ecosystem.”

Jean-Louis Pech, President, FIEV, commented, “FIEV welcomes the opportunity to join Stellantis Supplier Advisory Council, which represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen our relationship and enrich the dialogue with suppliers. This participation will enable us to represent, with ANFIA, the collective voice of suppliers and actively contribute to the Council’s work.”

Marco Stella, President, ANFIA Components Group and Vice-President of ANFIA, stated, “Now more than ever, it is essential to invest in a fruitful partnership between Stellantis and the supply chain ecosystem, caught between European market weakness, geopolitical instability and fierceful competition, also to face united and together EU regulatory challenges and support EU manufacturing and R&D platforms.”

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Spinny, an Indian full-stack used car platform, has announced that it recorded a threefold increase in vehicle deliveries on Gudi Padwa compared to standard operating days. The surge indicates a trend of consumers aligning automotive purchases with festive milestones.

The festive period saw a 50 percent increase in footfall across Spinny Car Hubs in the days leading up to the holiday. Its data suggests that 86 percent of customers experienced a standard delivery process despite the heightened activity.

Regional demand was concentrated in western and southern India:

• Maharashtra: Pune and Mumbai recorded over six times their average daily delivery volumes, with each city serving more than 100 customers in a single day.
• Geographic Contribution: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka collectively accounted for 70 percent of total deliveries on the day.

In terms of demand trends, Hyundai Motor India and Maruti Suzuki India were the most preferred auto brands, while Hyundai Grand i10 was the most purchased vehicle. White remained the most popular exterior colour across all markets. It saw 53 percent of buyers utilised credit solutions to fund their purchases, reflecting a shift towards structured ownership.

Hanish Yadav, Senior Vice-President, Spinny, said, “Gudi Padwa holds deep cultural significance as a time of renewal and new beginnings. We are witnessing more customers align their car-buying journeys with such meaningful occasions. The strong surge in deliveries and increased engagement across our hubs reflects both evolving consumer intent and the trust placed in Spinny. Our focus remains on ensuring a transparent, reliable, and high-quality experience - regardless of demand cycles.”

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Renault India has officially released the ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figures for the newly launched Duster, which is now powered by the Turbo TCe 160 engine. This latest iteration of the SUV delivers a fuel economy rating of 18.45 kmpl when paired with the DCT automatic gearbox, while the version equipped with the six-speed manual transmission achieves a rating of 17.75 kmpl.

Developed specifically to suit Indian driving conditions, the vehicle combines robust performance with what Renault describes as best-in-class ride and handling characteristics. At the heart of the Duster is a turbo-petrol unit that generates 163 PS of power along with 280 Nm of torque, securing its position as the most powerful engine in its category.

Through intelligent engineering and a carefully optimised powertrain, Renault has managed to create a compelling balance that merges high output with segment-leading fuel efficiency, ensuring drivers do not have to compromise between spirited performance and economical running.

Dr V Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering, Renault Group India, said, “The ARAI-certified figures highlight the strength of our technology and our commitment to delivering superior all-round value. New Renault Duster’s Turbo 160 engine integrates advanced solutions such as low-friction coatings and high-pressure fuel injection to optimise combustion and efficiency. Paired with Renault’s latest DCT automatic transmission, which ensures fast and seamless gear shifts, the powertrain delivers an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency while remaining strong and responsive on the road.”

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South Korean automotive major Hyundai Motor Company has named Bradley J. Arnold as Chief Designer and Head of Hyundai Design North America (HDNA) in Irvine, California.

He will oversee vehicle and concept design for the North American market, focusing on the company’s design-led strategy.

Arnold rejoined Hyundai in 2016 and has held various leadership roles within the California studio. Since 2021, he led the exterior design team, contributing to the 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift and the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. His previous experience includes:

• Hyundai (2008–2011): Contributions to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe exterior and Hyundai Curb Concept interior.
• General Motors Design (2011–2016): Work on the Cadillac Elmiraj Concept, Chevrolet Tru 140S, and mobility concepts.
• Academic: Graduate of and former instructor at the ArtCenter College of Design.

In 2025, Arnold served as interim design head at HDNA, where he managed the development of production and concept vehicles. He directed the global XRT off-road strategy within 'The Sandbox,' a design hub at the California studio.

Under his guidance, this facility has produced the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO, the CRATER Concept, and upcoming XRT models scheduled for production.

Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President and Chief Creative Officer, Hyundai Motor Group, said, “Design is the clearest expression of our ambition as a brand. Brad brings clarity, courage, and a strong connection to North American customers. His leadership will be instrumental as Hyundai Design North America shapes vehicles that are both emotionally engaging and globally relevant.”

SangYup Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, commented, “With more than 18 years of experience working with highly respected global automotive brands, Brad brings an exceptional level of creative leadership and vision. We are excited to have him lead Hyundai Design North America and build on the strong momentum of our vehicle design direction.”

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