The 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo was a grand event where many car manufacturers unveiled their new models. Many car makers garnered applause for their innovative vehicles and technologies that set the bar higher for the competitors. Exhibitors like Skoda, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Renault, Tata, BMW and Mahindra attracted visitors due to the appealing cars they displayed at the event.
At Tata's stall, Pixel was in the limelight, with its small size and scissor doors being the highlights. The company had also exhibited a range of Jaguar models at the stands, alongside the new Range Rover Evoque and the two Defender concept models – 100 and 100S. However, the real star at the stall was the high anticipated upgraded version of the Safari, called Safari Storme. Another attractive car at its stall was the concept model of electric Manza, a sedan.
Mahindra also grabbed eyeballs with the all-new Ssangyong range, especially the XIV-1 concept model. The Reva NXR, an electric car, also enjoyed attention at the mega show. The XUV500 continued to attract hundreds of visitors despite being launched in 2011. Another home grown car maker, Maruti Suzuki was thronged by visitors for the Ertiga MPV and XA Alpha concept SUV. Hyundai also attracted visitors with its Hexa Space, all-new Sonata, Elantra and Veloster.
Chevrolet's stall received a large number of visitors who relished the sight of cars like Volt, Captiva 2.2 AT, Cruze racing model, Camaro Convertible, Corvette Stingray Concept and Sail, Beat BEV and the unique EN-V. Cars like New Beetle, Touareg, XL1 concept and handcrafted edition of Phaeton grabbed eyeballs at the event at Volkswagen's stall.
The all-new Nissan Pulse and Evalia were surrounded by visitors at the mega show, while Renault's Duster also generated buzz due to its looks and utilitarian value. Ford EcoSport, Peugeot 508 and Toyota New Prius were other popular cars at the Auto Expo.
Among luxury car makers, BMW took the lead with its MINI brand, with the MINI Convertible being the most appealing car. Apart from this, the fifth iteration of the world renowned M5 and VisionConnected Drive concept also attracted visitors at the company's stand.
Mercedes-Benz also came with a number of eye-catching cars, such as M Class, SLS AMG Roadster, A Class concept. Audi attracted the media on the first day of the Expo with the new Q3, which was unveiled by Bollywood star Katrina Kaif. Audi R8, A3 e-tron, A6 and Q7 V12 models were also displayed by the company at the event.
Sportcars also attracted a huge crowd, with a lot of buzz about India's own sportscar called Avanti. Shreyans Hall was thronged by the most number of visitors as various exciting cars, ranging from Can Am Spyder and Ferrari California to Porsche Cayenne and Maserati Quattroporte, were present there.
