AUTO EXPO 2008

The land of the Taj mahal now gets its share of the limelight as the new year is born. Yes, we are talking about the Delhi autoshow scheduled to be held from Jan 9th to 17th at the Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre. Held every two years, the Delhi auto expo attracts manufacturers and journalists from all across the world. The event is recognised as a gateway by all the international manufacturers who want to venture into the rapidly expanding Indian automobile market. Around one million visitors including 150,000 business visitors are expected to be present at next year’s event. Over 1200 participants from 25 countries are set to display their products, making this a truly international auto show. Here is a sneak peak of what one can expect to see at next year’s show.

Hyundai Motor India Limited

Hyundai had recently launched the ‘i10′(next gen Santro/Atoz). Only the petrol model has been released and its selling as per their expectations and targets. Hyundai will showcase the i30 and the diesel variant of the i10 in the expo. They have plans to introduce the whole ‘i’ series in India within 2 years. They might showcase the Santa Fe which is a mid-size crossover SUV based on the Sonata platform. Other concept cars that may report are the Genesis, Qarmac, HCD ‘Hellion’ and HND Veloster concept cars, some of which have made their appearances in previous auto shows.

Tata Motors

The much awaited and globally talked about $2500 car will definitely be the centre of attraction at the show. Sources say it might be called Tata “Jeh”. The car has been tested and is ready to hit to the Indian roads sometime this October. Tata will also bring the Indica V3 featuring the Fiat Multijet engine along with the Indigo notchback and the Phoenix MUV. Other models which are currently in probation are the Indica Dicor(CRDI engine) and the Indica lpg and hybrid variants which may also be on display.

Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki will show their Concept A-Star which is an A segment car which will replace the Alto once it is released somewhere in October this year. Other cars expected from them are the Swift sedan and the Suzuki Splash which will replace the aging WagonR. The Kizashi concept which earned a lot of attention at the Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor shows is sure to attract many Indians if it is displayed this year.

General Motors India

American automobile giants GM have many major plans for the future as far as India is concerned. They will showcase their SUV Captiva which will hit the showrooms here with both diesel and petrol variants later this year. The facelifted Aveo-UVA(hatchback) and the small car Beat will also be displayed. GM is also deliberating about introducing alternative fuel on its current models, so don’t be surprised if you find any hybrids or eco-friendly cars like the Chevy Volt from the Hummer manufacturer or maybe even the Hummer H3 will itself be present.

Honda Siel India

Honda will display the hybrid Civic and the stripped down variant of its CRV model. The wraps will be taken off the new Accord in the show. The manufacturer’s small car ‘Jazz’ will also make it there along with the hydrogen fuelled Honda FCX.

Fiat

Fiat will display their Grande Punto and Linea models which are slated to hit the Indian roads later this year. Other sources say that Fiat will also display the 500 along side the Alfa Romeo Brera or the Alfa 159 to attract large crowds.

BMW

BMW will bring along its entire line-up to the show. This will include X5, X3 and its performance coupe M3. One can also expect the 3 Series coupe and convertibles as BMW have plans of selling it in India in the future.

Diamler-Chrysler

The Indian version of the C-Class which will have the same capacity engines as the outgoing C will be present. The C200K will have over 175 bhp, with the C220 CDI making close to 170 bhp and a mind boggling 40 kgm of torque. The other highlights will be their current India range of the E, S and ML class as well as the SLK and even the CLS or CL sports coupes

Volkswagen

Not much is known about the cars that Skoda will display. The much awaited Skoda Fabia though will surely be displayed. VW has confirmed their strong presence in the form of the Touareg and Up! concept. The Passat which is already on sale in India and their future launch, the Jetta, will also be on display.

Renault

Renault have joined hands with motorcycle maker Bajaj for making a car that will compete against the Tata’s $2500 car. The prototype will be present there along with the Logan-based Sandero.