The 11th Edition of the Delhi Auto Expo started from 5th January and went on till the 11th of January. Various cars belonging to hatchback, sedan, SUV and MUV segments were showcased at the exposition. The hatchback segment received the least limelight this time, even though there were sufficient unveilings in the segment to keep auto enthusiasts happy.
Tata, Bajaj Auto, Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, Renault, Chevrolet, BMW and Fiat showcased some new models or upgrades of their current cars at the show. Models like Chevrolet Sail, Renault Pulse, the range of highly awaited Mini cars, new Fiat Punto, new Volkswagen Beetle and Hyundai Veloster dominated the hatchback segment at the Auto Expo. Hyundai’s Eon, Bajaj Auto’s RE60 and Tata’s new Nano were also displayed in the small car segment.
The Bajaj RE60, which was touted as the Nano-killer, has not been positioned against the Nano. Rather, it was presented by the manufacturers as a public commuting vehicle that can transport four people at a time. Tata Nano, whose LPG version was showcased at the event. MR Wagon, Palette and Solio, three small cars from the stables of Maruti Suzuki, were also present at the show, though there are no plans to launch them in India.
Chevrolet’s latest hatchback Sail is the successor of the Aveo U-VA, which did not prove successful in the global market. The Sail will be available with both diesel and petrol engines and is expected to hit the roads by June or July this year. It will compete with the likes of the upgraded Fiat Punto, Renault Pulse and Hyundai Veloster in the domestic market upon launch.
Mini, the iconic brand owned by BMW, was also introduced at the Auto Expo. Mini Cooper’s range in India comprises Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S Countryman and Cooper Convertible. These four cars have received an overwhelming response at the Expo, with 100 bookings in a total of 6 days. Their direct competitor in India will be the newest iteration of the Volkswagen Beetle, which was also present at the mega show.
With the domestic small car segment already been saturated with a number of cars from leading manufacturers, the auto makers would have to ensure that their new cars have an edge over their competitors before rolling them out.
