Back in 1985, the origin of pathbreaking Auto Expo came as a shot in the arm for the automotive sector of India and since then there was no looking back. Asia's largest and complete automotive show pulled the masses when its first ever showcasing was held in 1986. The Auto Expo proved to be an unprecedented platform for global players that were seeking ways to gain immense exposure in the auto market.
The Auto Expo commenced from 3rd January 1986 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi through a coaction of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures (SIAM) and Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA).
The mega event exposed India to a host of latest technologies and components, allowing it to raise its bar and broaden its horizon; thus adapting to the changing trends and needs with ease. The 9th day show of the Auto Expo 1986 witnessed the presence of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
However the next Auto Expo could be organized after a lull of six long years in December 1993. The expo based on the theme of making the future happen was inaugurated by the then Finance Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.
The show aimed to share the frame of mind and views of the industry with collaborators, vendors, service networks, dealers, the consumers and the government. This time round, global auto companies made their way to India and a total of 7 countries were seen banking on the opportunities offered by the Auto Expo.
In February 1996, the Auto Expo emerged once again and this time, the scissors was in the hands of the then Minister of External Affairs, Pranab Mukherjee. The EU– India Automotive Business Forum that was an integral part of the event deserves a special mention. Giant automotive players to the likes of Daewoo, Hyundai, Ford, and Honda carried out launches in full swing.
In the year 1998 that also branded the Auto Expo as a biennial event made all records look small as the populace of exhibitors and delegations densened like never before. The event saw over 50 participants from outside India and around 150,000 visitors everyday.
The 2002 Auto Expo laid major emphasis on 'Road Safety'. An exclusive safety pavilion was built that brought aspects like Safety Technology, Road Engineering, & Enforcement into light.
The 9th Auto Expo ranks among the finest pages of history with the launch of the most coveted and awaited Tata Nano that gave a new definition to the entire low cost segment. The theme was named as “Mobility for All”. The show was inaugurated by Kamal Nath, the then Minister of Commerce and Industry and Santosh Mohan Dev, Minister of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises, Government of India.
Thus, the Auto Expo is irrefutably among the most applaudable and exemplary things ever produced by India; a show that has set the country's position in cement in every form.
