In the fast-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive industry, the luxury car resale market has emerged as a dynamic and promising sector. Luxe Cars, founded under the umbrella of Popular Group by George Saju Kuttukaran in 2023, is at the forefront of this revolution.
With a storied legacy spanning 75 years, Popular Group has amassed a wealth of experience in the automobile industry.
Operating across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, the group has established itself as a prominent player in dealership operations, representing renowned brands such as Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Mahindra, Bajaj, KTM, Chetak, Harley Davidson, and JCB. Today, Popular Group has diversified its focus, venturing into the realms of Edu-tech, Mobility services, and a cutting-edge venture in Data Science/DX services.
In an exclusive conversation with the founder, we delve into the factors propelling the growth of luxury car resale in India and the unique selling points that set Luxe Cars apart.
The roots of Luxe Cars can be traced to the changing aspirations of the Indian middle and upper-middle class.
George Saju Kuttukaran notes, “The Indian car industry is maturing, echoing the growth witnessed in the West. The economic upswing over the last two years post COVID has fueled a surge in new businesses & high-profile jobs, leading to a shift in the lifestyle of young Indians who now aspire to own luxury car brands earlier in life.”
The confluence of a maturing market organized players in the used car business, and the accessibility created through the digital revolution has paved the way for the rise of luxury car resale.
USP of Luxe Cars
Luxe Cars aims to redefine the perception of the used car business.
George emphasizes, “Transparency and trust are at the core of our business. We exclusively transact cars with a clean history, ensuring a history of regular periodic maintenance and no history of accidents or flooding. This commitment to complete transparency is what sets us apart in the market.”
Luxe Cars’ USPs include a wide selection of pre-owned luxury cars, rigorous 203-point health checks, a 6-month warranty, a 3-day product return policy, and pan-India roadside breakdown assistance.
Sourcing luxury cars involves a strategic approach.
George Saju reveals, “Our main sources of inventory include customers who trade in their vehicles for high-end Toyota or Lexus cars. Additionally, we acquire luxury cars from individuals and corporations looking to sell for reasons such as relocating to other cities, conclusion of lease agreements, or upgrading to a higher segment. In addition to these channels, the continuous influx of top-quality vehicles into our stock is facilitated by various digital platforms and customer referrals.”
Luxe Cars ensures that each pre-owned luxury car in its inventory undergoes a meticulous refurbishing process. George Saju explains that the company conducts 360-degree detailing, checks essential wear and tear parts, and completes any pending periodic maintenance services from the OEM service center.
The goal is to deliver cars that provide a trouble-free ride, requiring no workshop visits for the next 10,000 kilometers.
Beyond the cars themselves, Luxe Cars places a strong emphasis on customer experience to which George says, “Our sales officers act as consultants, offering expert advice tailored to budget-specific needs. Recognizing that car purchases involve the whole family, including the valuable input of children, we aim to guide everyone through the decision-making process. Our goal is to empower customers to make informed decisions, turning the purchase into a celebratory occasion. The delivery process is crafted to be a memorable experience for our customers and their families.”
Competitive Pricing and Value
Luxe Cars leverage its experienced team to conduct thorough pan-India price research.
George Saju states, “Our expertise in the used car business over the last two decades allows us to determine the right depreciation for any used car, considering various variables. This ensures competitive pricing and value for our customers.”
In a market dominated by unorganized players, Luxe Cars perceives both challenges and opportunities. The phenomenal growth of the luxury used car segment is promising largely due to the changing perceptions about t used cars
George Saju concludes, “We conduct a thorough 203-checkpoint inspection, verify service/accident history and RTO extract, and provide a competitive market price. Our payment process is the fastest in the industry, typically completed within 60 minutes post the deal conclusion.”
