With 2014 Auto Expo just a few months away, car manufacturers in India have already started preparing their activities for the event. A biennial event, Auto Expo is extremely important for the Indian automobile industry from a lot of perspectives. First and foremost, it is the biggest platform on offer for companies to display upcoming cars and concept vehicles. There have been many instances in the past, wherein a car unveiled or launched at this automobile extravaganza has gone on to perform exceptionally well in the market. Secondly, it is a great opportunity for customers across the country to get a glimpse of what sort of vehicles are going to enter the market in the future. As an automatic implication, it gives big brands like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors to attract buyers by showcasing upcoming models. Lastly, looking at things from a business perspective, companies get to know activities and strategies of competitors, which are considered to be quite important by critics.
The 2012 Auto Expo, held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, was a huge success and the organisers would be looking to emulate the same this time. Unlike the last time, the Motor Show is going to be held at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from 7th to 11th February. A number of exhibitors have already booked slots and are gearing up to showcase their vehicles. This list includes the likes of Honda, Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Jeep, Mahindra & Mahindra, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
According to sources, Maruti Suzuki is going to display the XA Alpha compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) production model at 2014 Auto Expo. The demand for compact utility vehicles has risen in the country and Maruti Suzuki, sources claim, is looking to bank on the same to establish its presence in the segment. Although nothing has been confirmed till now, speculations are rife that India's largest passenger car maker will be looking to use Auto Expo as a platform to generate interest among potential buyers.
If reports are to be believed then a number of luxury car makers are looking to expand operations in India by displaying some upcoming models at the event. Strong rumours have surfaced in the recent past regarding the introduction of Jeep brand in India. Owned by Chrysler LLC, Jeep is known throughout the globe for producing top class utility vehicles, which have set benchmarks in their respective segments. Reports claim that Jeep is going to launch its highly acclaimed Wrangler and Grand Cherokee models in India in 2014. Industry experts feel that the upcoming 2014 Auto Expo could be a great opportunity for the showcasing of these models. Thereby, it is a possibility that Wrangler and Grand Cherokee models could be unveiled for Indian buyers at the show in Greater Noida.
Mercedes-Benz, the Stuttgart based automobile giant, has enjoyed an excellent 2013 so far. It has made a remarkable comeback in India to regain its dominant position in the luxury car segment. Some of the models launched by the Daimler owned company in 2013 are E-Class, B-Class, A-Class and E63 AMG. Experts feel that the German firm would like to continue this good work by showcasing some models at 2014 Auto Expo. Like Mercedes-Benz, its rivals BMW and Audi would also be looking towards making a name for themselves at the upcoming event.
