Second largest two wheeler market, 11th largest passenger car market, Fourth largest commercial vehicle market – wondering whom we are refering to??. It is none other than our India and these are the obvious reasons why World’s biggest Automakers bets big on India. Even in the normal days, they are dying hard to capture the attention as well as market, just imagine the happenings in an exclusive automobile show where 1 million people is expected to visit in a span of 7 days. Yes, we are talking about the India’s biggest auto show, Auto Expo 2008.
Auto expo is one of the most biggest and popular events related with Automotives in India and its 9th version, Auto expo 2008 will be held between 10 to 17 January 2008 at the Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre, New Delhi. The exhibition is being jointly organized by Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India, (ACMA) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Though it is far away from being one of the best shows in the world, this time India’s auto expo has many incredible items in its menu. Starting from much expected and hyped Tata’s One lakh car – World’s most cheapest car, to long waiting Skoda’s Fabia in four wheeler segment, a concept car from a global auto car maker, Honda’s new scooter to Yamaha’s premium bikes in two wheleer market, lots and lots of innovative and attractive products across two wheeler, four wheeler and commercial vehicles segments are expected. Let’s create a list which we have to look seriously in the Delhi Auto expo.
Maruti Suzuki:
While Hyundai made its world premiere of i10 in india few days back. A concept car from Maruti Suzuki will make its global debut (the first time that an international car maker will be using the New Delhi Auto Expo for the global launch of its car). Apart from the A-star India’s largest car maker will exhibit atleast 20 models at the delhi auto expo. Kizashi which earned more vows in Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor show is sure to attract many indians.Diesel hawkers check the hood of Maruti Suzuki’s Swift sedan (replacement for esteem), you may find a surpise thing!
Tata Motors:
Tata Motors which plans eight new products in 2008 will showcase its entire range of products. Expect the Tata Indica V3, next generation Indigo, Indigo compact and new Sumo phoenix to decorate the Tata’s stall. There will be lot of crowd around the 1 lakh car, so if you want a closer look, you have wait there, in that mean time look for the hybrid Indica and electric Indica.
Honda Siel India:Honda will introduce green vehicles next year in india. The civic hybrid will be the Honda’s star of show. Fell in love with the Honda’s next generation accord, just wait till january 2008. You can look the car in flesh at the 2008 indian auto expo.
Bajaj – Renault:
It is believed that Bajaj Auto is finalising plans to display its concept car at the Delhi Auto Expo from January 10 to 17. Bajaj – Renault’s compact car will give Tata’s people car a tough fight. Similar to tata’s 1 lakh these proposed $3000 car will have tall boy design.
General Motors:Chevrolet India will launch the much awaited Captiva SUV at the delhi expo. The refurbished Aveo-UVA will join the GM’s line-up at the show. Chevrolet’s asia specific beat concept will be the treat for indian eyes
Mahindra and Mahindra:Mahindra and Mahindra will try to show its proweness during the expo since it plans for a big launch next year(M&M plans to launch automatic Scorpio in United States). For domestic market, the Ingenio MUV might be shown.
Skoda India:
Skoda will finalyyyyyy launch its premium hatchback Fabia at the show.
Suzuki:
Suzuki will display its concept motorcycle Biplane at the auto expo in January. Biplane concept made its debut at the recently concluded Tokyo motor show. Biplane has been inspired by aircraft and has been designed with an intent to give the rider the same feeling as being in Biplane. Similar to Yamaha, Suzuki will launch its premium bike in the auto expo. Suzuki’s premium bikes will hit the market by april 2008. “India is a major market for our parent company. We had introduced bikes in the mass market category (100-125cc) under the brand name Heat and Zeus. We are now ready to introduce premium-powered bikes in the country,” Suzuki Motorcycle India vice-president (sales and marketing) Atul Gupta told
Yamaha:
Yamaha will show its true Yamaha bike at the expo. Yamaha’s proposed premium bike is believed to be powered by a 4 valve, water cooled engine. Yamaha will showcase its premium scooters in the show. Yamaha’s stall will also have 1000cc YZF R1 and 1600cc MT-01. This time alone you can see a R1 or MT-01 on delhi roads.(Yamaha will launch the bikes in december 2007)
Honda:
Honda will unleash its new scooter (possibly new lead) , sporty shine and a performance bike at the auto expo. Honda will also display high end bikes like hayabusa CBR1000RR and few concepts at the show. “We will be launching a new scooter, but cannot confirm its specifications. We have plans to launch some new motorcycles, but it’s too early to comment on them. We will be showcasing HMSI’s entire range and high technology products including a few concept two-wheelers of our parent Honda Motor Company’s at the upcoming Auto Expo” told Honda Motorcyles and Scooters India head sales and marketing NK Rattan.
Wondering Bajaj Auto, Fiat, Ashok leyland is missing in the list. Will follow in the coming posts ..