By IANS,
New Delh: Despite a slowdown in their sales, car makers are all set to dazzle visitors at the Auto Expo 2012 here with their new vehicles and designs for mobility in future.
“The slowdown in the passenger car segment is just a short-term phenomenon. In the long term, automobile companies are very bullish about the Indian market and that’s why they will showcase all their product offerings to familiarise the customers,” Abdul Majeed, partner for the automotive practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers, told IANS.
Fuel price hikes and rising interest rates affected car sales last calendar year.
“There may not be an immediate increase in sales or so,” Majeed said. “But the companies would want the customers to know about their product offerings.”
The trade show begins at Pragati Maidan in the capital Jan 5.
The Indian car giant Maruti Suzuki will roll out its multipurpose vehicle Ertiga.
The company is also expected to showcase a compact sports utility vehicle (SUV), Swift Sports, and a hybrid version of the hatchback Swift.
Chennai-based Hyundai said it would showcase its multi-utility vehicle (MUV) HND-7, three-door utility coupe Veloster and premium sedan Elantra.
The biggest buzz, however, is about Bajaj Auto’s entry-level passenger carrier, RE60.
It is also being speculated that Tata Motors will give a glimpse of the diesel variant of its own entry-level car Nano.
The company is also expected to showcase the new version of its SUV Safari Storm.
Mahindra and Mahindra is said to be coming up with its new Reva electric car at the Auto Expo.
Italian car maker Fiat is lining up its new Linea and Punto.
The company will also be opening a lounge, the Fiat Cafe, in Delhi.
French auto-maker Renault plans to unveil its hatchback Pulse and SUV Duster.
In the luxury segment, Mercedes will roll in its new M-class, followed by the launch of its sports car, Roadster, and concept car A-Class.
German auto-major BMW is planning to hog the fair limelight with its mini range of cars, while Audi will launch its compact SUV Q3.
The Expo will also see first-time participation from Ferrari and Peugeot.
In the two-wheeler segment, Mahindra will launch its new Duro DZ scooter model and unveil its MGP30 racing motorcycle.
The 11th edition of the biennial exhibition is being jointly organised by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). Some 1,500 exhibitors from 24 countries are to participate in the show.