New Delhi,Jan,3: With the emergence of India as a market with demand over 15 million vehicles every year, attracted every domestic and global auto companies to register their presence at the 11th Auto Expo that all set to kicks off on Thursday.
The five-day eventful Auto Expo at the Pragati Maidan exposition ground will showcase the launch of vehicles in virtually every segment, and expects to draw above 500,000 footfalls as per previous year behavior. The Auto Expo takes place in every two years and being co-hosted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) as well.
BMW mini
"In the long run, auto companies are very bullish about the Indian market. That's why they'll showcase all their product offerings to familiarize customers," Abdul Majeed, partner for the automotive practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers, told media persons. "There may not be an immediate increase in sales or so. But the companies would want the customers to know about their product offerings," he said, adding that fuel price hikes and rising interest rates had affected car sales last calendar year.
About 1,500 exhibitors from 24 countries across the world are participating in the show including 37 German firms which is coming together under the slogan "Made in Germany". The previous Auto Expos have Tata has launched world's cheapest car - the Tata Nano. Bajaj Auto's likely to showcase its entry-level passenger carrier, RE60, Maruti Suzuki all set to rolling out its multipurpose vehicle Ertiga,Swift Sports and a hybrid version.
Tata Motor will be launching a diesel variant of Nano. Hyundai unveiling multi-utility vehicle HND-7,three-door utility coupe Veloster and premium sedan Elantra. Fiat is lining up its new Linea and Punto. French carmaker Renault's plan to unveil hatchback Pulse and SUV Duster. Mercedes is showcasing its new M-class, sports car Roadster, and concept car A-Class. BMW is looking to unveil a wide range of minis.
BMW Mini Cooper
Germany maker Audi will be showcasing its compact SUV Q3.First-time participation of Ferrari and Peugeot will also show its models. Over the years, India has developed as an important market for the auto industry, with domestic sales during April-to-November growing at 13.08 percent to 11.34 million units from 10.03 million units in the corresponding period of last fiscal despite of global slowdown.
