Sale of used cars in the Capital has shot up after the announcement of odd-even policy by the AAP Government to curb pollution level in Delhi. Despite the fact that used vehicles on roads will contribute more damage to the environment as well as health, city people continue to buy second-hand automobiles.
On its visit to used-car dealer stores, The Pioneer found out that a large number of people are purchasing used cars and the sales have gone up in the last two weeks.
A used-car dealer named Vijay of Srisai Motors in Jhilmil (near Vivek Vihar Police Station) said that after the announcement of the policy, number of buyers has increased tremendously. “I had 80 cars of different ranges, including sedans, SUVs and hatchbacks. While buyers are showing more interest in sedans and hatchbacks,” said Vijay.
He added that to meet the demand, dealers have tied up with traders as well. Spinny (MG Road), Malviya Car Bazar (Greater Kailash), Mahindra First Choice Car (Dwarka), Car Mantra (Sikandarpur) and Green Valley Motors are some traders in the Capital who confirmed that there have not only been an increase in number of visits of potential buyers in their stores, but also an increase in sale starting from the last week of 2015.
Many of the independent dealers said that they have been now selling upto 15 cars per day compared to a sale of 1-2 cars in a week before the announcement.
Ecologist Gopal Karishna said that used cars contribute more to air pollution. “Besides pollution check, the life of used cars should also be measured. State Government’s plan could prove dangerous if city people start buying old and used vehicles,” said Krishna.
Apart from independent dealers, online stores like Car Trade.com and Quicker.com have also seen an increase in the number of queries about used cars.