Devesh Taparia: Driving DriveX’s C2C Marketplace Revolution

An Exclusive Interview with Devesh Taparia, CEO of DriveX, consumer-to-consumer (C2C) marketplace

Meet Devesh Taparia, CEO of DriveX, India’s pioneering consumer-to-consumer (C2C) marketplace for used vehicles. In this interview, he reveals strategies behind seamless peer-to-peer trading, trust-building innovations, and accelerating growth in the dynamic auto sector.

Can you walk us through the origins of DriveX Direct and what inspired you to pivot toward a C2C model in the used two-wheeler market?

Devesh Taparia:  DriveX has always operated in the pre-owned two-wheeler ecosystem, primarily through refurbishment and retail. Over time, one thing became clear: a large part of the market still operates in informal, peer-to-peer transactions.

People prefer selling directly to other individuals to maximise value, but the process is often opaque and risky.

DriveX Direct emerged from that observation. We saw an opportunity to bring structure, verification, and service support to C2C transactions while preserving the normal price discovery that makes peer-to-peer engagements attractive.

Instead of replacing peer-to-peer exchanges, we are formalising them by adding a layer of trust through pricing intelligence, documentation assistance, and secure processes around what is already a very prevalent segment of the market.

India’s used two-wheeler market is booming—estimated at over 50 million units annually. What specific trends in consumer behavior have fueled the rise of C2C platforms like DriveX Direct?

Devesh Taparia: Three broad shifts stand out.

First, digital comfort has deepened significantly. Buyers and sellers are far more willing today to complete high-value transactions online, across categories like smartphones, appliances, and other consumer durables  than they were five years ago.

Second, value consciousness has increased. Many consumers now actively evaluate depreciation curves and lifecycle costs before purchasing. A well-maintained used vehicle makes economic sense, particularly for first-time riders, students, delivery professionals, and gig workers.

Third, replacement cycles are shortening. Younger riders upgrade faster, which increases supply in the secondary market. When that supply meets digital discovery and transparent pricing tools, C2C platforms naturally gain traction.

What’s changing is not the existence of peer-to-peer sales — it’s the expectation of accountability within them.

With rising fuel costs and economic pressures, how has affordability driven C2C adoption among buyers in Tier 2/3 cities?

Devesh Taparia: Affordability is a major driver, particularly outside metro cities.

In Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, two-wheelers are often essential mobility assets rather than discretionary purchases. When fuel prices and overall living costs rise, buyers look for lower upfront investment options. A pre-owned vehicle can reduce acquisition cost significantly while still meeting daily commuting needs.

At the same time, internet penetration in these markets has grown rapidly. Buyers are comparing prices online, checking vehicle histories, and seeking guided support for paperwork. The combination of economic pressure and digital access has accelerated structured C2C adoption.

However, trust remains critical. Many first-time digital sellers or buyers in these markets want assisted support, especially for RC transfers and documentation. That is where service-backed C2C platforms can add real value.

Walk us through the end-to-end process for a seller and buyer on DriveX Direct—from listing a vehicle to final handover.

Devesh Taparia: For sellers, the process begins with a guided listing journey. They upload photographs, enter vehicle details such as odometer reading and registration information, and complete KYC verification.

Our system provides AI-driven price guidance based on condition, demand trends, and transaction data, helping sellers set a realistic and defensible price.

Once the listing goes live, interested buyers can connect through the platform. We help schedule test drives at mutually convenience , and structure the interaction to ensure both parties are verified before meeting. When both parties agree, payment is routed through a secure mechanism designed to reduce risk for both sides.

Post-agreement, we assist with documentation checks, RTO coordination for RC transfer, and insurance updates. The objective is to ensure the ownership transition is legally completed and properly recorded. The process does not end at payment; it concludes when the transfer is cleanly executed.

For buyers, this reduces uncertainty. For sellers, it protects them from future liability.

Fraud and quality issues have plagued C2C used two-wheeler sales in India. How does DriveX Direct mitigate these risks, and what data shows your success rate?

Devesh Taparia: Fraud in C2C typically arises from pricing opacity, document mismatches, duplicate listings, or misrepresentation of vehicle condition.

We address this in layers. Structured listing requirements reduce incomplete or misleading entries. KYC verification and RC validation help flag inconsistencies before listings go live.

In addition, under our Direct Plus category, vehicles undergo physical inspection, and structured inspection reports are made available to prospective buyers. This creates a higher degree of transparency around mechanical conditions and reduces post-sale disputes.

Our systems also monitor duplicate or suspicious activity patterns. On pricing, AI-led recommendations narrow the gap between listed and final transacted prices. In informal markets, this difference can be huge, often leading to uncomfortable negotiations. Data-backed pricing reduces that friction to mid-single digits.

While we are still scaling, early transaction data shows improved pricing alignment and lower dispute incidence compared to unstructured peer-to-peer exchanges. The goal is steady risk reduction rather than headline claims — building credibility through process discipline.

How do you see DriveX Direct competing with B2C players like Spinny or Cars24, and what unique edge does the C2C model give you in the pre-owned two-wheeler market?

Devesh Taparia: In a market as large and varied as India’s two-wheeler ecosystem, different transaction models serve different needs. Organised inventory-led approaches play an important role, particularly where refurbishment and standardisation are required before resale.

The C2C model is structurally different. It remains asset-light and price-efficient because vehicles are transacted directly between individuals. That preserves pricing advantages for both sides.

Our approach is not to replicate B2C, but to introduce institutional safeguards within peer-to-peer transactions.

The edge lies in combining direct price discovery with structured verification and post-sale assistance. In a market as large and fragmented as India’s two-wheeler segment, both models can coexist and serve different consumer needs.

Looking ahead, how do you envision C2C evolving with EVs and shared mobility, and what’s next for DriveX Direct in the next 2–3 years?

Devesh Taparia: As electric two-wheelers scale, secondary markets will naturally follow. EV buyers are particularly sensitive to battery health, warranty continuity, and documentation accuracy.

And there is also a strong price uncertainty due to these reasons. That increases the importance of structured verification & price guidance in C2C transactions.

We expect greater data integration around service history, battery diagnostics, and warranty validation over time.

Shared mobility and subscription models may also create more predictable replacement cycles, feeding structured supply into the resale ecosystem.

Over the next two to three years, DriveX Direct will focus on scaling verified listings, strengthening fraud automation, expanding finance and insurance integrations, and deepening assisted services in emerging markets.

The long-term objective is straightforward: make peer-to-peer two-wheeler transactions predictable, transparent, and legally secure at scale.

Devesh Taparia’s leadership at DriveX showcases C2C’s transformative power in vehicle trading. His insights on trust, tech, and scalability pave the way forward. Thanks, Devesh, for steering us through DriveX’s exciting journey ahead!

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