At the DNA WheelOCity Auto Expo held on May 12 and 13, 2012, car lovers of Mumbai experienced the thrill of being associated with the exciting world of cars. The Expo that was held over the course of two days was organised to give first hand experience and knowledge of various cars offered by both domestic and international brands in the country to the visitors. Its main purpose was to provide a single platform for the customers and the companies to meet and interact.
The event witnessed a good turnout even before the inauguration as visitors flooded NSE Exhibition Grounds, Goregaon (E). Cars across hatchback, sedan and Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segments were put on display by major automotive brands like Hyundai, Honda, Chevrolet, Maruti Suzuki, Land Rover, Renault, Nissan, Toyota, Fiat and Volkswagen. The latest and most sought-after bikes from giants like Vardenchi and BMW also graced the Expo.
Excitement level of visitors at DNA WheelOCity hit a new high as they saw four eye-grabbing machines, including Ford Mustang, Suzuki Hayabusa, 1954 Dodge Kingsway (with left-hand-drive) and 1933 Avon SS, with latter two being vintage cars. As Nikunj Arora, a visitor at the Expo, expressed, "I love cars and sitting in the Mustang was very exciting!"
The event was graced by Bollywood actress Sameera Reddy, who happens to be a car aficionado. For her recent flick, Tezz, she learnt to ride a bike and confessed her love for bike riding as she posed for the cameras on a Vardenchi bike after visiting all the stalls and admiring the models on display. She said, ''I think a woman riding a bike is very intimidating for people and everyone sort of clears the road when I ride on Carter Road! Even the rickshawalas are afraid when I am on the road!"
DNA WheelOCity Auto Expo saw a large number of enquiries by potential customers, which kept the dealers extremely busy. A sales consultant for Renault, Jai Mirchandani, stated, "Right now, all the Renault models displayed are getting equal attention. I have no time to relax! I am very happy with the response." On the other hand, large number of enquiries elated Navnit Motors, which handles Land Rover and BMW in the country.
Akshai Varde, Vardenchi, exclaimed, "It's a really good experience and the expo is a platform for us to be out there. And the number of people admiring the bikes we've displayed is amazing." As the roar of motorcycles echoed in the background, he stated that Vardenchi bikes are personally customised as per the requirements of the customer. Visitors kept up with the flow and momentum of the event and almost every stall witnessed potential buyers checking out the displayed models on a regular basis.
The major attraction for kids and adults alike was the renovated Ford Mustang by Suraj Bhalla, since they could touch and experience the coveted car. Visitors also had the opportunity to get clicked sitting in the Mustang and on the Hayabusa to make the event a memorable occasion for themselves.
Head, Craftsmen Productions, Bhalla said, "I have been waiting for a gathering like this for nearly 3-4 years. It helps me understand people's expectations. We offer courses for anyone who wants to learn about automobiles; for example how an engine works and what is inside it. We aim to teach the complete principle, component, ideology and safe car driving. After all, knowledge should be shared." Indeed, the DNA WheelOCity Auto Expo was a huge hit as it created opportunities for the dealers, customers and auto enthusiasts alike.
