VW India’s Das WeltAuto: A one-stop pre-owned cars solution with an enhanced value proposition

More than ever before, car buyers across all segments are now increasingly looking at the practical aspects of vehicle ownership. And for many, the best option is to go for a pre-owned car that has been well maintained. Volkswagen India’s pre-owned cars business – Das WeltAuto (DWA) – is raising the bar and setting a benchmark for customer satisfaction in this space. Here, we take a closer look at the factors that make DWA the best choice for those looking at buying a pre-owned vehicle.

According to a recent report from a market research and advisory firm, Mordor Intelligence, India’s used cars market stood at more than 40 lakh units in the year 2019 and was valued at more than INR 1.80 lakh crore. Given that the pre-owned cars market in India was at 36 lakh units in 2017, the 5% yearly growth has been noteworthy.

Taking into account the strong value proposition offered by pre-owned cars, this segment is expected to triple-fold at a rate of around 15% every year between now and 2025. This can be attributed to the changing customer aspirations, wherein many prospective customers wish to upgrade to premium products while maintaining their financial stability. The organised pre-owned car segment enables customers to fulfil their mobility choices by offering accessibility, affordability and well-maintained product & services.

In an endeavour to provide better customer experience while purchasing a pre-owned car, Volkswagen India started its Das WeltAuto (DWA) initiative in 2012 and now has 103 DWA outlets across the country. Since its inception, DWA has taken upon itself the onus of ensuring that every pre-owned car sold through its network first undergoes a detailed, comprehensive multi-point inspection, ensuring customers the highest standards of quality and safety as it receives the DWA certification. Along with offering a warranty of up to 12 months while facilitating financing and transfer of registration.

Das WeltAuto, a major player in India’s pre-owned cars segment, has now upped the ante further, with the introduction of Das WeltAuto 3.0 in June this year. The latest iteration of Volkswagen’s pre-owned cars business intensifies the focus on digitalisation, allowing customers to use the DWA website to sell their cars and/or buy their preferred pre-owned vehicle, in an accessible and transparent manner. Along with enabling customers to self-evaluate the value of their current vehicle through the DWA Valuator App (available for both iOS and Android), based on parameters laid down by the Indian Blue Book.

It is pertinent to understand that OEM owned used car businesses such as DWA tend to organize the market as they adopt and provide stringent practices. While a local agent would seem ideal due to the price point they offer, from a long-term perspective multi-brand business such as DWA offer more merit. To begin with, DWA has an industry-leading diligence process for pre-owned vehicles, whereby defective or worn-out parts are identified and replaced with the genuine item and each car is fully refurbished by expert technicians, before being sold to the next owner.

Second, it covers another major factor, which is financial support to customers via leading financial institutions. For a 360-degree experience, it also offers the option to purchase Volkswagen authorized accessories that enhances the appeal and comfort of the vehicle. Along with warranty and maintenance services offerings that provides the customers peace of mind.

Furthermore, for customers who value the sheer practicality of buying a pre-owned car over the emotion of purchasing a new one can benefit by avoiding the depreciation hit. New cars tend to depreciate anywhere between 30 – 40% of their value within the first three years of ownership. Also, insurance costs are lower for pre-owned cars, while the car itself (especially a certified pre-owned car from Das WeltAuto) can be almost as good as new in terms of its mechanical efficiency, reliability, fuel economy, performance and comfort. Chosen carefully, a well-maintained pre-owned vehicle can represent an attractive value proposition, making it an irresistible deal for car buyers.

With its professionalism, technical expertise and transparent business practices that are fully customer-oriented, Das WeltAuto is setting a new benchmark of efficiency in facilitating the purchase of pre-owned cars for its customers. Unlike the unorganised sector, DWA offers an end-to-end solution with an enhanced customer experience, which makes it more attractive to buyers.

“Through the Das WeltAuto facilities and the business peripherals attached to it, Volkswagen aims to shift the used car business segment from an unorganized to organized segment. We intend to offer a digitally enabled, professionally managed, value for money proposition to customers looking for individual mobility options. We are confident DWA will gain the momentum and be relevant in the post COVID era,” said Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India.

Keeping in mind the current pandemic situation, Volkswagen has implemented extensive safety and sanitization measures. It has undertaken virtual trainings for its dealership staff, to exercise social distancing norms, frequent sanitisation at high frequency touch points. Mandatory wearing of protective gears and masks. The measures are designed to minimise risk and maximise safety for DWA customers as well as dealership employees. For customers who still prefer to complete their purchase from home, DWA’s digital infrastructure provides a complete virtual engagement, contactless service and doorstep delivery of the vehicle.

If you’re in the market for a certified, reliable and fully roadworthy pre-owned car, DWA is your best bet. Visit your nearest Das WeltAuto outlet and let their skilled, knowledgeable staff help you find a vehicle that not only fits your budget but also helps fulfil your aspirations for driving a better car.