My Mercedes Benz

Umbrella With Premium Insignia!

It was a perfect day to leisure around due to a public holiday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. I woke up a little late, and after a quick breakfast and a glance through the newspapers, I

decided to get my wardrobe organised. You know, a thrilling way to spend a holiday.

Suddenly, behind heaps of clothes, I came across a fourteen-inch-long barrel wrapped neatly with several layers of

newspapers that appeared almost like a grandmother's parcel! Curiously, I unpacked the stuff and discovered it was the Mercedes-Benz pocket umbrella which I had hidden from sight ever since I bought it at the eleventh Auto Expo held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, in January 2012.

The reason for keeping it off from public view was primarily due to the guilt of purchasing it at a prohibitive price

unknowingly, which I realised only after scrutinising the bill and the SMS on the transaction sent to my mobile by my bank upon reaching home. Ah, the joys of impulse buying! 

For the first time, I took a close look at it and examined it from every angle. The two-fold telescopic umbrella is definitely made of high-quality spokes, designer waterproof fabric, and an elegant polished wooden handle. Who knew umbrellas could be so fancy?

The wooden handle sports a black square metallic button on the side that enables the umbrella to open up with a press and a big logo of Mercedes-Benz at the tip. Holding the umbrella gives a premium feel and appears to have been manufactured with utmost precision, just like its range of automobiles. It's almost as if I'm holding a miniature version of their luxury cars, without the risk of a fender bender.

At the Auto Expo, there were several pavilions set up by almost all major global automobile manufacturers. The Mercedes-Benz pavilion was one of the topmost attractions, drawing

maximum footfalls. During the seven-day event, I made several attempts to visit this pavilion but gave up due to the serpentine lines. It was like trying to get into a popular nightclub, but instead of bouncers, there were shiny cars.

On the final day, I decided to arrive at the venue early in the morning and squeeze in some time to visit this pavilion in particular. To add extra spice to the event, dozens of international models were flown in, each standing beside different Mercedes variants on display. It was like a car show and a fashion show had a glamorous baby.

After viewing a variety of sedans, off-roaders, sports cars, hybrids, and concept cars, I moved across to a stall selling Mercedes-Benz memorabilia. From cufflinks, tie pins, caps, keychains, badges, bags, jackets, umbrellas—everything had the Mercedes-Benz logo on it. The counter was crowded with fashionable young men and women, and a couple of models walked past, encouraging me to do some quick photography. Who knew buying a souvenir could feel like attending a celebrity meet-and-greet?

I spotted an umbrella and asked the price. The salesperson responded with an accent and a smile, "Sir, this is 378/-..." Although I thought it was slightly expensive compared to such

varieties found in the open market, I felt it was fine considering I was buying it at an event like this. Plus, I would hardly get time to go shopping for an umbrella. I mean, who needs practicality when you can have prestige?

Having made up my mind, I flaunted my debit card at the counter, and within seconds, the amount was debited, and the umbrella, inserted into an elegant paper bag, became my new possession. It was only after reaching home late in the evening

that I realised the blunder I had made—the original price quoted for the umbrella was in four digits, and I had missed the last one! This drove me to hide the umbrella completely from public view, the best way to forget about the episode. Out of sight, out of mind, right? 

But today, I realized that this is a wonderful piece and a remembrance of my visit to one of the world's best premium car manufacturer's pavilions. Even if I can never own a four-set of wheels of this brand in my life, who cares—I have at least a Mercedes-Benz umbrella. Let the Delhi monsoon rains start, and I am surely going to flaunt it! I might even start a trend with my stylish rain gear, becoming the envy of every pedestrian caught in a downpour. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter—who wouldn’t be curious about an umbrella with such a backstory? Now, every time it rains, I’ll have a reason to smile, knowing I have a piece of automotive luxury right in my hand. 

So, here's to hidden treasures in wardrobes and the joy of rediscovering them. Next time I feel the urge to tidy up, who knows what other forgotten luxuries I will uncover!

Video clips related to the Auto Expo:

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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!

 

Auto Expo 2012: DC Design Launches Avanti Sports

Automotive design firm DC Design launched its Avanti sports car at the 11th Auto Expo here at New Delhi with a price tag of Rs30 lakh (ex-showroom).

It will start producing the Avanti from 2013, with initial production of 300 units, which may increase later.

DC Design founder and promoter Dilip Chhabria said: "We intend to produce 300 units of the Avanti in 2013-2014 and if all goes well, we could ramp up production to go into four figures per annum."

The car was unveiled by actor and star Amitabh Bachan. 

The crowd management was dismal as large turnout of general public turned out on a day meant exclusively for the media! Several car-makers have been hiring bouncers to manage the crowd particularly when the gates get open to the public.

Check up the video Clip!