The hey days are here for the diesel engine cars and in the face of it, it looks like the time is here to stay for a long time. And what supports the statement the most is the descend of operating prices of diesel drastically, with that of petrol being so adamant. The huge difference in the prices is the result of the 50% price differential between the fuels, and the swelled resale value of diesel cars causing fan to the fires for petrol versions.
S Saha, CEO, Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd conveyed the reasons for the trend favouring diesel. He was quoted as saying “The pre-owned car market generally mirrors the new-car market. There has been increase in demand for diesel cars in the last few months. The number of customers preferring diesel cars has increased by 15-20%”.
According to the car dealers the after-effect of robust demand means prices of second hand diesel cars is believed to have soared to 15-20% in the last six months. The demand is so high that the car dealers are not able to match it with the supply. In a very obvious and wise move, the diesel car owners are not even on the carpet to sell-off their cars. New cars also cost much more, it’s a draught of diesel cars. It is it not a bed of roses to procure a presentable quality diesel car that is of personal use. A decent quality generally escalates up the prices. It is believed that the demand for diesel cars has inflated to almost 50% in the last 4-5 months and 20-25% for CNG vehicle
No prizes for guessing that diesel variants of Maruti Swift, Dzire, Tata Motors Indica, Indigo are being sold out like liquor on dry days. Even the previous models of Hyundai Verna, Hyundai Accent, Indigo Marina, and Ikon are in the league.
Harish Khatri of Chennai Motors, who has been in the business for the past 15 years confirms the current situation saying “Customers are ready to pay anywhere between 10-15% premium on diesel vehicles. They are aware about the benefits of diesel technology. Plus customer preference is shifting towards diesel due to rising petrol prices”. He also added his personal sales have climbed up to at least 20% for diesel cars compared with the time six months back.
Taking up the issues of the side that is victimised, one realises that the prices of petrol in India have gone up almost 34% since June last year. The petrol and diesel have cropped up a gap of almost 22 to 26 rupees. The scene is in contrast for the used petrol cars as people only with one in a blue moon need for a car or those with low daily up and down are going for them.
Thus, diesel seems to have a blast in the coming time too with zero speculations regarding the diesel prices ditching it users. It has proved its loyalty a thousand times since a long period of time and unconditionally continues to support its users.
