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‘Mobility for All’ is the theme for the 10th edition of the 2010 Auto Expo. Scheduled to be held from the 5th to 11th of January at Pragati Madian, New Delhi, the expo will be spread over 125,000 square meters of exhibit space – featuring more than 10 global launches, which gives you some indication of its importance on the world motor show stage.
Around 2,100 exhibitors, no less, are believed to be taking part in the event – of which 800 belong to 30 different countries. An estimated 1.8 million visitors are expected to visit during the week. Besides the exhibits, the Expo would also feature conferences, workshops and buyer-seller meets relating to all aspects of the auto sector.
So, what can you look forward to seeing at the expo? After the explosive launch of the Tata Nano at the 2008 edition of the Auto Expo, the majority of the manufacturers present in India are planning to show small cars of their own, be that Toyota, Honda, General Motors, or Volkswagen. And that’s not to mention other major players, such as Maruti, Tata and Hyundai – they’ll all have something up their sleeve for the expo.
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General Motors is going all out, as the American giant will be showcasing its 21st century sports car – the Chevrolet Camaro – for the first time in India. Thinking green, the manufacturer would also be showcasing its revolutionary Volt plug-in electric, LPG Spark, new Aveo CNG, and Spark Electric, co-developed with REVA, which is scheduled to go on sale later in the year. The exciting SUV category will see the Captiva get a minor facelift to breathe some extra life into the variant. The most awaited launch from the Chevrolet stable, however, will be that of the all-new Beat (featured elsewhere in this issue), which is due to go on sale from January onwards. And, if you haven’t seen enough of the Cruze on the streets as yet, you can also catch a glimpse of this all-new mid-sized sedan at the expo. |
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Maruti, as usual, won’t be far behind, as it’ll be showcasing the US production Kizashi at the Expo. This particular model has already claimed its share of lovers in the American market, and now it’s time for India to get a taste of an all-new Suzuki as well. The Indian spec model is scheduled for launch later in the year. Already a leader in the small car segment, Maruti could well be displaying some revised models at the show. If rumors are to be believed, then the Swift is said to get a facelift, but it’s unclear whether it would be unveiled at the Expo or sometime in the middle of 2010. A slightly revised version of the A-Star was unveiled in Japan recently, and could conceivably be on display as well. In the MUV category, the manufacturer has phased out the Versa, and will be showcasing an all-new MUV – this time in a serious attempt to gain market share in this competitive segment. |
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After having picked up a 20 percent stake in Suzuki Motor Corporation, Volkswagen is all set to storm the Auto Expo, and dealerships thereafter, with the much-awaited Polo. Having claimed recognition in Europe, specifically having been named the European Car of the Year, the Polo will now be running on Indian roads pitched against the likes of the the Skoda Fabia, Honda Jazz, and Hyundai i20. With the launch of the Polo, VW attempts to cement its place in the premium hatchback segment, which is a tricky space – being both feature, as well as price sensitive at the same time. The recently launched Beetle will undoubtedly attract its share of show-goers as well. The latest variant of the Touareg will also be on show, widening VW’s portfolio for India. |
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Toyota will be showcasing a mammoth 14 production and concept vehicles at the Expo. The most important news, of course, is that it’ll be showcasing a new compact car, due to hit the Indian market very soon. The Prius is also going to be on show to demonstrate Toyota’s leadership in hybrid technology, and highlight their endeavor towards creating a cleaner environment for future generations. The Fortuner, undoubtedly, is still going to attract a large number of people, due to its restricted road presence and excessive demand – so, watch out for the Toyota stall, which was conspicuous by its absence at the last expo.
In a bid to revive their flagship model, Hyundai Motors will be showcasing the 3rd generation Sonata at their stall. Replacing the present generation – the Embera – the new Sonata has been aggressively styled, and has already caught the eye of several show-goers at the Los Angeles motor show. Hyundai will also be showcasing the i10 electric to demonstrate their awareness towards the environment. |
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Following the Jazz, Honda is looking even more closely at the Indian small car segment, as the Japanese manufacturer will also showcase its small car concept at the expo. In addition to the regular line up, also expect to see other concepts and hybrids, such as the sporty CR-Z hybrid, at their stall. |
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There’s good news for Skoda fans as well, as the Yeti will finally be hitting Indian shores. From concept-to-production, the journey for this SUV has been a long one, as we’ve seen it in different forms during the last two Expos. With unique, sporty lines, the Yeti has already earned an image for itself by being perceived as different and unusual for Indian roads. Close to production spec, the Yeti is bound to raise eyebrows, and generate its share of bookings interest even before its launch. Will it receive the same kind of response as the Toyota Fortuner? Only time will tell, but pricing will be crucial. You’ll also see the much-missed RS version of the Laura, which is not to say that the new RS is any closer to being offered for sale mind you. |
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While Tata Motors will certainly have the ‘peoples’ car’- the Nano – on display, it’s unclear as to whether they’ll also give visitors a glimpse of the planned electric version, or even the soon-to-be launched Europa. Their luxury brands, which recently posted encouraging global sales figures, Jaguar Land Rover, will also be showcased at the Tata stall – so look for more than a little panache at the Tata / Fiat hall.
Oh, and pay us a visit as well while you’re at it. And do remember, climb mountains if you have to, but don’t miss the 2010 Auto Expo.
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