AutoFurnish is a tech-driven brand of car accessories which applies technology in all aspects of the business including – digital marketing, manufacturing processes, innovations, adaption of new models and variants of automobile to produce best-in-class products for its customers. The brand offers an extensive range of Automobile accessories at affordable price and convenience for car owners across India. Power Drive had an opportunity to speak with Mr. Puneet Arora, CEO of AutoFurnish to gain a better understanding of the aftermarket accessories segment.
Tell us why customers prefer to install accessories from the aftermarket to transform their old cars into a brand new one?
Modern car buyers are ambitious and willing to experiment as much as they can. As car dealers offer regular range of accessories at a high price, customers have started to buy accessories from the aftermarket. Those who don’t believe in minimalistic philosophy and love to try out futuristic car accessories to revamp comfort, style and utility quotient are now relying on the car accessories aftermarket. The growing trend of installing technology driven accessories inspired from imported cars can be seen in the budget car owners. The mid segment car or pre-owned car users find better deals and accessories at jaw-dropping rates, thus they are not hesitant to visit aftermarket shops or online stores to get all what they want.
Will the aftermarket accessory purchase for premium segment cars prove to be more safe and affordable?
If you are buying a pre-owned luxury car then you have to spend a few bucks in its service, maintenance or to buy a couple of accessories. As luxury cars and their accessories cost a bomb, it is always better, safer and more affordable to visit the aftermarket to get the best quality accessories at highly competitive rates. In the last couple of years, the sales of luxury pre-owned cars has increased drastically which leads to the rising sales of car accessories from the aftermarket. Most of the pre-owned luxury cars have short life, thus it is advisable and wise to install accessories from the aftermarket to save a lot of money.
In an era where cars come packed with accessories in order to attract buyers, how relevant is the aftermarket segment?
Modern cars are now coming with pre-loaded accessories that are designed to enhance the comfort-level and style quotient. In the last couple of years, car manufacturers have invested a lot of time and money in making their brand new cars a technology driven vehicles. A lot of additions have been made including car floor mats, high quality sun films, premium seat covers, mud flaps, enhanced audio system, air freshener, remote locking security system and many more. The main point of such additions is to attract customers. However, the availability of pre-loaded accessories entirely depend on the variant you are going to pick. In fact, you have to pick high end variant in order to enjoy the comfort of pre-loaded accessories. And if you are going to pick a high end variant then it will shoot up the cost drastically.
It is also important to know that car dealerships charge a bomb for extra accessories. Thus, it is always advised to purchase all extra accessories of comfort and style from the aftermarket to save a lot of money. The aftermarket is now offering a versatile range of accessories with multiple variants. If you are worried about the quality then you can pick a high quality variant from the aftermarket. It will cost much lower than the dealership.
However, the positive point of new cars coming with pre-loaded accessories is that customers are now aware of recent updates, accessories and features unlike before. In fact, car reviews given by auto experts give them a lot of details on features and modern accessories that are now readily available in the aftermarket.
Why do you think the auto OEMs are also foraying into aftermarket car accessories segments?
Due to the rising popularity of aftermarket car accessories, auto OEMs have also started foraying into the segment to capture the market share. Every year, automobile especially car manufacturers bring new features, accessories and gadget to amplify the comfort, style and glamour quotient in cars. And aftermarket immediately brings alternatives at jaw-dropping rates. Knowing the recent trend of customers visiting aftermarket for car accessories, many auto OEM brands have started offering multiple futuristic car accessories to the customers. OEM brands are basically the manufacturer of the final assembled products. The prominent auto OEMs like Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, Ford, Nissan, Hyundai and many more have started offering their own original products to the customers. And a large chunk of customers get attracted to them just because they get the brand value and assurance right from the manufacturer. However, not everyone can afford to have OEM accessories for pre-owned or old cars. Thus, they visit the aftermarket to get accessories as per their requirements without paying a bomb. Thus, auto OEMs is not a big threat or competition to the aftermarket as there is a big difference between the price and variety offered by both of them.
Power Drive 