Auto Expo 2012 - The Born Again Destination!

The crowd at Pragati Maidan

New Delhi: In the 4th Century BCE, India had the largest economy in the world, controlling between a third to a fourth of the world's wealth. This supremacy of nearly 2,000 years eroded with the colonisation of India from the 18th Century CE and it is only in the last decade that we have begun to re-emerge as the marketplace for the world.

This is reflected in the automotive industry. The Hindustan Ambassador and the Premier Padmini ruled as a duopoly until 1984. Since then, the Maruti 800 and its siblings/successors have dominated the Indian market. Yet, in the last decade, virtually every major automotive company in the world has entered the Indian market, making the biennial Indian Auto Expo the second largest in Asia, today.

So, it was with a lot of excitement that I entered Pragati Maidan on 5th of January, 2012 to experience the phenomenon that is the 11th Auto Expo. The event is co-hosted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA). It is open to the public until 11th January.

Amitabh Bachan and Dilip Chhabria

The buzz was focused on India's first supercar, the DC Avanti. Built by Dilip Chhabria, the face of Indian automotive design and launched by Amitabh Bachchan, India's legendary film star, the Avanti is powered by a 240bhp engine generating 366nm of torque.

Aside from the 'starry, starry launches', the industry showcased numerous new and improved products that would add definitive value to the Indian customer. 

Peugeot 508

Peugeot announced that the 508 will be their first offering in India as a locally produced car by 2014. The initial focus will be on setting up their assembly facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The 508 will be offered with only a diesel engine: a 2.2-litre HDI common rail. Peugeot will set up a strong dealer network across 15 cities.

Ducati M79

Ducati India unveiled one of the most awaited models, M795, on the second day. It was unveiled by Mirko Bordiga, CEO, Ducati Asia Pacific and Ashish Chordia, CEO, Ducati India. The Monster 795 has been built for the Asian customer. It is the cheapest Ducati model in India with a price tag of Rs.6,99,000 (ex-showroom).

Mahindra Reva NXR

Finally, after buying 55% stake in Reva, Mahindra is showcasing the first product from the tie up. Mahindra has taken the wraps off the Reva NXR for those who are feeling the pinch of rising fuel prices.

Sunjay Kapur, Vice Chairman & MD Sona Group of Cos.

Sona Group of Companies, one of the Indian pioneers in component manufacturing, is showcasing its product and service portfolio for the passenger car and utility vehicle market at the Auto Expo.

The products being showcased at the auto expo include steering systems, column electric power steering, propeller shaft, clutch assembly and precision forged bevel gears.

Founded in 1985, Sona Koyo Steering System has successfully transformed itself from a company of 25 people into a professionally managed organization with several entities, partnerships and marquee clients such as Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and General Motors.

There are several Chinese companies ranging from makers of batteries to LED lights to turbo chargers have made it to the Expo. They have occupied three buildings, yet their pavilions are still waiting for audience attention.

Frenzy crowd waiting to have a glimpse of Big-B

With the dismal show planning, lack of hygiene and poor crowd management, it is learnt that the industry stalwarts are advocating a change of venue and organisers, as well as extending another two days following heightened demand by car lovers in the next Auto Expo slated on 2014.

Check the stills below and video clips in my next blog. Cheers!