AUDI APPROVED – December 2015

WE SPEAK TO MR. ABHISHEK KUMAR. THE COO OF AUDI MUMBAI SOUTH. ON HOW THE IDEA OF CERTIFIED USED CARS AND SELLING THEM CAME TO LIGHT AND HOW TO BE WELL EQUIPPED WHILE MAKING SUCH A PURCHASE

Where did the idea to sell used certified cars stem from?
As M square group dealers for Audi in Mumbai South, Nashik and Aurangabad, we started our operations in January 2013 and being non-industry were very excited with the new project, but in the span of one year we started realizing that there are a large number of customers who are aspiring to buy a luxury car but were not able to do so because of a tight budget and were not considering used cars as there was no guiding source for them to help select a car as per their need or were afraid of the after sales expense. That is when we realized the potential of this segment and started our Audi Approved Plus division where we sell cars with a certification and service plan and trained sales team who can guide them and help them buy their first luxury car with a warranty back up and finance options and giving them a complete peace of mind under one roof.

How has the response to such an initiative been?
The response for the luxury car market has been increasing with the growing Indian economy and so for the used cars also we have been seeing an upward trend. Today, the Indian consumer has woken up to the positive value equation of pre-owned cars, and rightfully so. Pre-owned cars give higher flexibility and reach to prospective car owners, whether first-time buyers or repeat, due to the price advantage they offer. The economical prices of pre-owned cars help all types of buyers. Other factor responsible for the increasing popularity of used cars is the multitude of quality choices available coupled with an increase in income. All this has created a situation where people want to upgrade their vehicles more frequently. The paradigm shift from buying new cars to used cars can be attributed to the increasing organization of the pre-owned car player.

What should a customer look out for while buying a pre-used car?
There are many things to look for when purchasing a used car but one important factor is to buy a car which is physically checked before making your final decision. Here, then, are a few general pointers on how to physically check out a used car before you buy it.
• Make sure that the car is on a level ground before checking it out.
• Carefully check the paint job of the car, taking note of any rust spots, dents or scratches.
• Check the trunk of the car to make sure it is still in good condition
• Check the tires
• Never buy a frame damaged car.
• Check to make sure the air-conditioning of the car is working well by turning it on.
• For a car that has an on board computer, pay attention to the warnings right when you start the car or when you turn the key or the start button.
• Check out the car’s service history which should give you some information regarding the performances, repairs, and problems of the car.

Can you tell us a little about the process of selling a pre-owned car?
Selling a pre-owned car is never a tough thing; the primary focus should always be on buying the right car at a right value which can be easily understood by going through the market trend. Someone who aspires to work in the pre-owned car market should always be updated with the market trend. In the automobile business there are certain products which are slow moving, so having the right knowledge of the products and the trend of their sale is very important. Another important thing is to understand the market where you operate and the needs and demands of the customer in that market. If an individual wants to sell his car directly, the most important thing other than the price,should be to identify the buyer first and make sure that the car does not go in the wrong hands as you can never judge anyone by their personality, you should always make sure that you complete the transfer formalities on your own on the buyers name and safeguard yourself from any future issues that may arise.