Wednesday, November 23, 2011
By Pranjal Gera
2012 Indian Auto Expo to feature 50 models, despite slowdown
As a car enthusiast what should one expect at the upcoming Indian Auto Expo in January 2012? Certainly, a small number of automobile manufacturers turning towards the auto event, sighting the all time low in the Indian auto market due to inflation that has left no stone unturned in making life miserable for the consumer as well as carmaker. But in contrast this auto show will witness the number of auto makers more in comparison to last year.
In 2010, there were 42 automobile companies that took part in the show, along with 50 new launches that comprised of ten global unveiling. However, it’s going to be more grandeur this time with 50 participants confirming their presence.
Bajaj Auto’s scheduled frugal mini car; which it is building for Nissan-Renault, this will be vital because it will decide the fate on whether to flag-off the small car or dump the project.
New entrants like Peugeot Citroen, supercar maker Bugatti owned by Volkswagen Group, Isuzu; Japan based commercial vehicle maker, Kamaz Vectra the Russian heavy duty vehicle maker, Britain based Triumph Motorcycles, home based company Garware that sells superbikes, Daimler commercial automobiles, off-road and all terrain vehicle maker Polaris and BMW Motorrad will showcase their products. Peugeot Citroen may exhibit its famous sedan 508; which expects a 2014 launch in India. The French carmaker has finalized to establish its manufacturing unit in Gujarat state.
Tata Motors will not display diesel Nano, instead a passenger and a commercial vehicle along with a futuristic concept car is expected to be revealed. Maruti Suzuki will feature an SUV along with a new vehicle for which details are not available from company sources. Renault is expected to launch its first hatchback Pulse in India. With US auto giant Ford likely to unveil its compact SUV Ecosport.
In the Ultra luxury segment the usual authorities like Maserati, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, and Porsche will attract the high net worth people. In the electric vehicle segment General Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Renault and Tata Motors will be seen promoting the vehicles.
In the two-wheeler division Bajaj Auto, Yamaha, Mahindra & Mahindra along with Piaggio; a reputed name in commercial vehicles, will display its first two-wheeler.
