Is there a chill in the India Auto Industry? Just like the December chill in the weather. Maruti Suzuki reported growth in November, but most are talking about their order books and waiting periods both de-accelerating at incredible speeds. Like the USA, luxury EVs like the Porsche Taycan and EQS all have disproportionate interest-demand-sales cycles, affecting the actual sales. Even with tax benefits, the EV counterpart of a model is always much more expensive than its ICE counterpart, making it unattractive. Take, for example, the 2024 MercedesBenz GLE Vs EQE, with a price difference of Rs 20 lakhs (on-road). There is also a veil of ambiguity for EV luxury car buyers regarding how they will age and how the resale prices will be affected by deprecating batteries and changing technologies.
Supercars, on the other hand, are continuing their artistic value and demand. The Lamborghini Revuelto has already stirred a lot of curiosity and booking; most cars, like Sterrato, are sold out till 2026. Even when it comes to the Ferrari Purosangue, millionaires are fighting and using all their connections to get allocations. Is it cleverly marketed hype? We also see that in the watch market, with some Rolex and Audemars Piguet models on a forever waiting list with frequent price increases. Is luxury goods becoming like buying government bonds with guaranteed return on investment? Not really, and one has to be cautious here; the cards might tumble down. Until then, the Rolex will show you good times.
Supercars and high-end watches share a common thread – the fusion of artistry, innovation, and craftsmanship. Much like a well-crafted timepiece, a supercar is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail, cutting-edge technology, and the pursuit of perfection. Both represent the pinnacle of their respective industries, capturing the essence of time and speed in unique ways. What adds another layer of fascination is the parallel trend of appreciating values. Just as certain watches become more valuable with time, so do select supercars. It’s a captivating dance between scarcity, design, and performance that elevates these objects beyond mere possessions to coveted investments.
The appreciation of supercars and watch prices is not just about monetary value; it reflects their enduring appeal and cultural significance. Both become more than the sum of their parts, evolving into symbols of status, sophistication and a keen appreciation for the finer things in life. Each tick of a luxury watch and every roar of a supercar’s engine becomes a chapter in a larger narrative, a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. On that note, Casio watches, and all smartwatches, have never been appreciated, but the mechanical watches have, so EVs appreciating over time are hard to digest.
Have a great December and keep the seat-belts fastened because you wouldn’t want to end a glorious year, not being able to ride or drive! We will see you at the beginning of 2024 with a lot of well-curated, high-adrenaline automotive action.
