New Delhi: In recent times, the Indian auto market has seen a trend wherein people prefer to buy used cars as compared to new ones. Purchase of a used car is no longer socially frowned upon in India thanks to lifestyle changes and a more liberated mindset.

Industry experts feel that this change in preference of people might be based on a number of reasons. Used cars have a lower cost, which is something that is always bound to attract the price-sensitive Indian buyers. Also, there has been an exponential increase in the number of establishments that sell pre-owned cars. These organisations offer refurbished cars that come with warranty and the company’s stamp of trustworthy quality.

The combination of greater availability of credit, relatively low interest rates and an improving economy are expected to lift the used-car market in 2014. Market estimates suggest that the pre-owned car sector is growing at 18-20 per cent, while the organised segment is growing at 40 per cent annually. Sources say strong growth in the new-car segment from 2007-08 to 2011-12 led to a huge inventory of used cars.

Mr. Anton Rublevskyy, CEO, AutoPortal.com says that the used-car market is expected to see sales of between 10 lakh and 15 lakh units by the end of this year with the organised sector accounting for about 20 per cent of the market share.

The main challenge in this segment is the demand and supply mismatch where the used-car industry is struggling with a supply crunch. Autoportal.com will play a key role here by plugging the gap.  It aims to connect more used-car dealers through its online platform and make the entire process more organized and hassle-free for the customers.

AutoPortal.com helps customers who are looking to buy or sell new or used cars and want to remain up-to-date with the latest automobile news, expert reviews and car prices. All this information, along with a host of research tools, price information and a growing dealer network is available just a click away with Autoportal.com.