India is one of fast emerging car markets in the world, which is one reason why it attracts so much attention from top companies across the globe. The popularity of cars can hardly be undermined in a country like India, which has such a high population. Understandably, numerous events are conducted throughout the year, which showcase new models and updates of auto industry. However, the most popular event among all is Auto Expo, which is conducted once in every two years. The Auto Expo is the largest automobile show organised in India and its 12th Edition was held in 2012 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
Held from 5th of January to the 11th of January, this event witnessed around 1500 participants who belonged from over 23 nations of the world. The 2012 Auto Expo was organised by Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), along with being accredited by International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Numerous foreign car makers unveiled their new models at the Auto Expo, which included popular brands like Audi, Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford, Jaguar SsangYong and Nissan, among others. Organisers made some structural changes in the Auto Expo 2012, wherein the segmentation of the display area was revised.The 2012 Auto Expo saw a bevy of launches and showcases from some of the top notch brands in the world. German based car maker Volkswagen introduced its flagship Beetle and Touareg along with the XL1, which was revealed as a concept. One of the highlights of the 2012 Auto Expo was the unveiling of DC Design super car, named as Avanti. Owner of the firm, Dilip Chhabria, who was present at the unveiling, was quoted as saying, "Every country which has written its name in the pantheon of automobile manufacturing has invariably distinguished itself with sports cars by its own nationals and I thought that India rightly needs to be in this exclusive club."
Interestingly, a number of popular Bollywood celebrities attended the Auto Expo 2012, such as Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif and John Abraham. Along with cars, the 2012 Auto Expo saw the showcasing of numerous two-wheelers. Ducati, Piaggio, Triumph, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki were among the two-wheeler manufacturers who participated at the 2012 Auto Expo. Some of the two-wheelers launched at this event were Ducati Monster 795, Honda Dream Yuga, Piaggio Vespa, Triumph Bonneville, Yamaha YZF-R15 and Honda CBR 1000R. After the grand success of 2012 edition, organisers are gearing up for the 2014 Auto Expo, which will be held in Greater Noida in the month of February, according to sources.
