Brands show off might at India's auto expo
The 14th edition of the Auto Expo, the largest automotive show in Asia, started yesterday on the outskirts of the Indian capital amid much enthusiasm among brands.
The biennial event, which will continue until February 14, will see participation from global household names like Maruti, Honda, KIA, Renault, Hyundai, Suzuki, Piaggio, Hero MotoCorp, Yamaha, Kawasaki, TVS, Tata, Mercedes Benz, Ashok Leyland, SML Isuzu, JBM, Toyota, Mahindra, BMW India and so on.
A total of 100 exhibitors are taking part in the show, up from 88 in the previous expo.
The expo is co-organised by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Confedera-tion of Indian Industries and Auto Component Manufacturers Association of India.
“There are many events happening for the first time, including motorsports, auto gaming arena, future decoded (virtual reality zone) and autonomous vehicle display which will show what the future would be like,” said SIAM President Abhay Firodia.
On the first day of the expo, Suzuki Motorcycle India unveiled its new flagship scooter named Burgman Street, a 125cc advanced luxury scooter, and the new Apex Predator named GSX-S 750 for the Indian market.
“India is an important market for Suzuki Motor Corporation globally. Not only is it one of the biggest markets for two-wheelers globally, but also one that is the fastest-growing and with maximum-potential in segments that Suzuki has expertise in,” said Masahiro Nishikawa, executive general manager of Suzuki Motor Corporation, at the inauguration.
Honda Cars India unveiled three models --- Next Generation Honda Amaze, All New 5th Generation Honda CR-V and 10th Generation Honda Civic.
“In 2017, Honda provided our products and joys to over 30 million customers around the world. The automobile products accounted for 5.3 million of our global sales and India was a great contributor,” says Takahiro Hachigo, president and representative director of Honda Motor Company Ltd.
Honda Car India, the Indian operation of Japanese company Honda, saw its sales grow 15 percent year-on-year in 2017, said Yoichiro Ueno, president and chief executive officer of Honda Car India Limited.
“With the upcoming new launches, we are confident to grow further in the new fiscal,” he added.
Hero MotoCorp unveiled its 200cc adventure motorcycle 'XPULSE' and 'Maestro Edge 125'.
The future of personal and shared mobility is on the cusp of a major shift, said Pawan Munjal, chairman and managing director of Hero MotoCorp.
“We are working on developing new technologies and solutions that will match our future aspirations. Our inherent capabilities in frugal engineering, aligned with a youthful approach will surely excite and engage our global customers,” he added.
South Korean automobile maker Kia made its debut in the Indian market through the auto expo this year.
Over the last few years, sports utility vehicles have become the vehicle-of-choice among Indian buyers, said Peter Schreyer, chief design officer of Kia Motors Corporation.
“Combining the comfort and space of a sedan with the ability to tackle all kinds of terrain, we intend to storm the market with an SUV that will set new parameters in motoring,” he added.
Hyundai Motor India Limited unveiled the 2018 Elite i20', global EV, IONIQ cars.
YK Koo, managing director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India, said the Elite i20 has been a global success, with over 400,000 customers since its launch in 2014.