Bevy of launches heralds 11th Auto Expo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) January 6, 2012 -- • Fleet of gleaming cars unveiled by leading car manufacturers

• Two-wheeler manufacturers make a big splash with new launches

• Day 1 observed as Goodwill Day for the differently-abled to visit the show

The 11th Auto Expo 2012 has begun its over a week-long sojourn in New Delhi with a slew of

launches that marked the debut of many automobile manufacturers into new segments of the

dynamic Indian vehicle market. The showcase combined state-of-the-art technology and

innovation to deliver models high on performance and unique in design.

As many as 13 car makers unveiled their vehicles amid intense international media coverage

at the 11th Auto Expo, which is being jointly organized by Automotive Component

Manufacturers Association (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of

Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), from 5-11 January 2012 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi,

India.

Four-wheelers hog limelight

The country’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki unveiled its compact SUV XA Alpha. Keeping in

view the promising growth rate of the SUV segment in India, Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing

Director and CEO, opined that the new model will help retain Maruti Suzuki’s stronghold on

the automobile industry in the country. While Maruti Suzuki kick-started its display with

the XA Alpha, it also plans to launch the Ertiga alongside other new models.

Targetting the premium car sector, car maker Hyundai showcased a new version of Sonata,

which is expected to be launched in India by February end. With a graceful design inspired

by the orchid flower, the new Hyundai Sonata is luxury on wheels with its impressive

contours and lush interiors.

Japanese auto major Nissan Motor Company today unveiled the seven-seater Evalia. With a

stately, imposing design and the promise of superior comfort, the Evalia is Nissan’s new

entry into the multipurpose vehicle division.

Close on the heels of the success of its Figo, Ford drew back the covers off its global

compact SUV Ecosport, as it envisions India to lead the company’s growth worldwide in the

coming years. EcoSport is the second of eight new global models that Ford proposes to unveil

in India over the next 3-5 years.

Celebrating its success in the Indian luxury car market, German car manufacturer Audi

displayed the compact SUV - Audi Q3, the new futuristic A3 e-tron concept, the Audi S6

limousine, the powerful Audi Q7 V12 and some highlights from the existing Audi India product

range.

Novelty seems to be the forte of Toyota as it launched the new Land Cruiser 200 coupled with

the new Innova and Fortuner. The Land Cruiser 200 is proof of Toyota’s technical competence

as the makers have reworked the exteriors and included new headlamps and foglamps, a new

radiator grill and the front bumper. Toyota has also unveiled the new Camry which was the

highlight of its display.


Two- wheelers put up a big show

After 10 years of launching the Thunderbird, Motorcycle maker Royal Enfield today unveiled

its completely redesigned model Thunderbird 500 which will hit the Indian roads later in the

year. Faster than its predecessor and with efficient ergonomics, the 500cc variant of the

Thunderbird promises an exciting and comfortable ride. The Thunderbird lives up to its

reputation of being the adventure biker’s favourite with enhanced features.

Taking advantage of the 70% stake enjoyed by 100-125cc two-wheelers in the Indian vehicle

scenario, Suzuki introduced the 125cc scooter, Swish and the 110cc motorcycle, Hayate. With

plans to emerge as a leading player in this segment and to avail of higher margins, Suzuki’s

current focus is on the scooter arena. However, it has not discounted the possibility of

unveiling more 150cc models.

India Yamaha Motor, today, marked its entry into the scooter segment as it displayed its new

scooter concept, the Yamaha Ray, designed for the Indian woman. With this, Yamaha marks its

foray into all spectrums of the two-wheeler category. Celebrating 50 years of its

association with MotoGP, Yamaha also exhibited its YZR M1 and YZF R1.

Other scooters on display are from the ASEAN market and include the Mio, Fino and Xeon. The

bikes that are on display comprise of YZR M1, YZF R15 Version 2.0, FZ1, legendary VMAX and

FZ-S, Fazer, SZ Series, YBR 125 and Crux.

Mahindra and Mahindra, revealed the Ssangyong’s Rexton SUV, which is likely to be launched

in India by mid-2012. Apart from Rexton, Mahindra also displayed two concept cars, the new

XIV 1 SUV concept and Ssangyong Actyon Sports.

Targeted at bike enthusiasts, Honda has launched the150cc Honda CBR150R, a variant of the

250cc CBR250R. Honda also eyes the mass market with its new Dio scooter and the Dream Yuga

motorbike. Flaunting a sleek design and a 10% increase in power owing to the 110cc engine,

the revamped Dio offers stiff competition to its counterparts from the same segment.

US cult bike maker Harley Davidson launched two locally-assembled models FXDB Street Bob and

FXDC Super Glide Custom.


ACMA’s Campaign against Counterfeiting

Apart from multiple launches from automobile manufacturers, the Asli Naqli pavilion, an

awareness campaign against counterfeits set up by ACMA was inaugurated by Mr Ambuj Sharma,

Jt Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises today. The pavilion will

also have an IPR Cell, which is the first initiative of its kind to offer advisory to an

exhibiting company against display of its counterfeits by any infringing company.

On the occasion, Mr Arvind Kapur, President, ACMA, said, “36 percent share of parts sold in

the replacement market are counterfeit products, raising concern and emphasizing the need

for road safety and prevention of road accidents. Around 20 per cent of all road accidents

in India are directly or indirectly attributed to the use of counterfeit automotive parts

(as per ACMA – E&Y Study).

The first day of the exposition was reserved exclusively for the media. The day was also

designated as Goodwill day for the differently-abled to visit the show and drew visitors

from various institutes for a special guided tour of the show.


January 5, 2012

11th Auto Expo     Auto Expo 2012