Lucknow Press
Call it fancy number plate or VIP number plate, their craze is increasing continuously. It has become a status symbol for premium SUV car owners. People are ready to gamble lakhs of rupees to get VIP numbers. In March, the car with number 0001 was auctioned for Rs 23.4 lakh. Two great hatchback cars or a good SUV could have been bought for this amount, but it seems that the hobby of showing off has ignored the concern for money.
0001 number in massive demand
According to the data of the Delhi government’s transport department, the highest bid in the monthly auction of vehicle numbers this year (till June) was on number 0001. In March, its staggering bid was Rs 23.4 lakh. The government has not disclosed the details of the buyer. Number 0009 was sold for Rs 11 lakh in June and was at second place. At the same time, number 0007 also got a good price by selling for Rs 10.8 lakh in the January auction.
According to the data of the Delhi government’s transport department, the bid of Rs 23.4 lakh on vehicle number 0001 is the highest bid so far this year. This amount is much higher than the initial price of Rs 5 lakh set by the department.
According to the vehicle department, number 0001 is so special because it is often bought by big leaders, ministers and officers. It rarely comes up for auction, that is why its price goes up so high.
Number 0007 is also not far behind
A transport official said that number 0001 is the most preferred number in online vehicle auctions, especially among politicians. It is considered a matter of prestige and the buyer considers himself special. Similarly, the number 0007 also attracts very high bids as it is believed to be associated with secret agent James Bond and cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The department had received Rs 5.1 lakh for the number 0002 in the January auction.
Prices in vehicle number auction:
0002 to 0009: These numbers have a starting price of Rs 3 lakh.
0010 to 0099, 0786, 1000, 1111, 7777 and 9999: These numbers have a starting price of Rs 2 lakh.
Numbers like 0100, 0111, 0300, 0333: These numbers have a starting price of Rs 1 lakh.
Other favourite numbers: These numbers have a starting price of around Rs 25,000.
0786: This number is considered auspicious in the Muslim community.
