The 2012 Indian Auto Expo is the topic of the moment in the automotive arena around the globe. This biennial trade fair of automobile and auto component manufacturers provide a platform to automakers to introduce new technologies and models, for creating desired impression on their respective target groups. Anticipating success of the global auto event, car manufacturers from across the world are hoping to make a mark in the Indian automotive industry in 2012. The event to be held at Pragati Maidan (New Delhi) from January 7 to 11, 2012, will exhibit several car models and innovative technologies in the area sprawling over 70,000 square metres.
The upcoming automotive event is reported to showcase 55 new cars, in comparison to 50 cars put on display during the last edition. The participation of car makers was 42 in 2011 event, which is expected to increase to 50 in the forthcoming auto event. Automotive Component Manufacturers Assoc
iation of India (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) will be the organisers of the auto event, which is expected to receive 20 lac footfalls within 5 days.
One of the highlights of the auto event will be hybrid car models and concepts from leading car makers like Maruti Suzuki India Limited, General Motors India Private Limited and Tata Motors Limited. The event will be the platform for the hybrid cars in India, redefining benchmarks and luring other car makers to join the league. With several companies keen on introducing diesel, electric and hybrid vehicles, the 2012 Auto Expo is critical for the auto industry's future.
India's leading car maker, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, is pulling off from the compact car segment. The automaker will showcase series of utility vehicles and sedan models, after diminishing sales of the volume segment. A gracious version of Maruti 800, small Auto Expo 2012 for car enthusiasts. The diesel version of 'World's Cheapest Car' will again be cheapest diesel fuelled car. Introduction of Tata Nano Diesel will provide a breather to potential buyers amidst lacklustre economic scenario. However, the forthcoming Nano Diesel may be priced more than regular Nano's price.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited will be attracting visitors with the hybrid model, Prius. Toyota Prius, best selling hybrid car in the world, reaffirms Toyota’s commitment to cleaner automotive technologies. However, high pricing of the car will be the biggest constraint to impress price-conscious Indian audience.
The two-wheeler segment is also hit by rising fuel prices, higher interest rates and an overall dismal economic picture in the country. In this scenario, Yamaha is reported to exhibit array of fuel-efficient scooters, whereas Bajaj Auto will showcase KTM motorcycles for Indian audience. Bajaj Auto, the prestigious two-wheeler manufacturer, is geared up to launch the much-awaited fuel-efficient compact car and enter the four-wheel auto segment. Besides, Piaggio will also launch a motorbike for the first time at the auto event.
Nissan Motor India Private Limited is one of the fastest growing car makers of recent times and will be launching its multi purpose vehicle independently. Based on Nissan NV 200 platform, the minivan has made headlines due to its 10-passenger seating capacity. Peugeot Citroen, reputed French automaker, will be displaying Peugeot 508 saloon with other cars.
In luxury car segment, admired global players like Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Bugatti Lamborghini, Maserati and Porsche will also participate in the event. The existing stalwarts of premium car segment, which include Audi India, Mercedes-Benz India and BMW India Private Limited, will be displaying appealing sedans and SUVs for country's elite class.
Industry experts are looking forward to check-out Mercedes Benz M-Class SUV at the annual auto event, which is expected to hit Indian roads in the near future. On the other hand, Audi India has queued three new cars for the upcoming Indian Auto Expo, which include A3 sedan (e-tron series), all-new sporty S6 Limousine and a Q-series of SUV. BMW India Private Limited is ready with three cars in the Mini series, a three-door Cooper Hatch, Cooper convertible and SUV Countryman.
Kamaz Vectra (Russian automaker known for designing and developing trucks), Isuzu (a renowned commercial vehicle manufacturer from Japan), Daimler (engaged in commercial vehicles) and Triumph Motorcycles (a United Kingdom based automaker) will also participate in the international auto event. Garware Motors (emerging superbikes seller), Polaris (an off-road vehicle manufacturer) and BMW Motorrad are others making their presence felt at the auto show.
With so many companies queuing at the auto show, the event is expected to surpass all expectations and be a huge success.
