Auto Expo Motor Show 2018 presents products for future mobility

Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2018, jointly organised by Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and accredited by International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), had the participation of 28 two-and-three-wheelers, 15 four-wheelers, and 9 commercial vehicle manufacturers. They unveiled 101 vehicles.

Over 119 exhibitors showcased more than 100 products. About 22 upbeat manufacturers presented a strong product portfolio for the coming year which will not only set the tone for FY 18-19 but will also provide stimulus for a promising and inspiring year ahead. Star highlights were electric vehicles, hybrids and vehicles that run on fuel cell technology and depicted the future of mobility.

Anant Geete, Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India, who inaugurated the Auto Expo 2018, called for greater cooperation between the automotive industry and the government to strengthen the growth of the sector.

Organised from February 9-14, 2018 at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the Motor Show 2018 presented a complete metamorphosis, a gradual transition from mere static display of vehicles to showcasing a consolidated package of ‘Entire Mobility EcoSystem’, confirming India’s gradual move to ‘Green Mobility’. Auto Expo 2018 was a significant step of the automotive industry and highlighted its growing concern about the environment. The Expo served as launch pad for greener technology and products to reduce the pollution levels further and promote green mobility.

For this edition of the Auto Expo, Special zones were introduced to provide the visitors with a holistic experience of the industry : Motorsports, Auto Gaming Arena, Virtual Reality Zone, 70 years of Indian Automobility, Exotica – a zone dedicated to vintage cars, and Application Vehicles.

The expo was attended by renowned personalities like Bollywood Actor Shahrukh Khan at Hyundai stand supporting the government’s swatch Bharat Campaign. Actress Sonakshi Sinha, Former Indian Cricket team Captain Mohammed Azhrudin and Cricketer Gautam Gambhir were also spotted at the Auto Expo.

The “12th SIAM Styling & Design Conclave 2018’’, was also held on the side lines of the Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2018. Experts spoke on the emerging facets of styling and design of automobiles to enhance design for sustainability. SIAM’s Styling & Design Group, has been promoting capacity building in styling and design of vehicles and has been striving to develop capabilities in India.

Maruti Suzuki unveils Concept Future S

Maruti Suzuki kicked off the proceedings at the Auto Expo 2018 by showcasing the brand new Concept Future S. The new concept car is one of the first to be designed completely in-house by Maruti Suzuki and showcases a design language that India’s largest automaker will take in the future. Unveiling Concept Future S, Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki said, “Compact is the natural choice of India’s car customers. Compact needs a fresh design language, one that is bold, confident and dynamic. Our designers have created this brand new design, aggressive on the outside, and bold and inviting interiors. Nothing like this has ever been attempted before on a vehicle this size. Concept Future S will define the next generation of design for compact vehicles in India.”

Ayukawa further said that nearly 75% of passenger vehicles bought in India are small and compact vehicles, including the country in the global top three in this segment and to the fourth largest overall.

Kia unveils SP Concept, showcases 16 global models

Kia unveiled the striking new SP Concept, which made its public world premiere at Auto Expo-The Motor Show 2018, alongside a showcase of 16 global models.

The SP Concept provides a glimpse of what’s in store for motoring enthusiasts once Kia kicks off retail sales in India, in the second half of 2019. The futuristic SUV, with its bold style and Kia’s unique design DNA, is geared to satisfy young Indian consumers who seek the perfect combination of sophisticated beauty, breakthrough technology and high functionality. Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation said, “over the last few years, SUVs have become the vehicle-of-choice among Indian buyers. Combining the comfort and space of a sedan with the ability to tackle all kinds of terrain, we intend to storm the market with an SUV that will set new parameters in motoring. It’s still a concept – so it’s a little bit exaggerated – but the actual production car will be very close to what was shown at the Motor Show 2018.”

Kia’s line up included: Picanto, a new standard for city cars, designed for first car buyers; Rio, a passenger car designed for sporty looks, practicality and economy; Stonic, created for drivers who live every moment, push every boundary and relish every adventure; Cerato, adds a dose of extraordinary to life; Cee’d, designed inside and out with an array of attractive new features; Soul EV, Kia’s first fully-electric vehicle; Cadenza, designed to command attention and surpass expectations; Stinger, built for the thrill of driving and a love for exclusivity; Mohave, to make you feel at ease as there’s power at your fingertips whenever you need it; Sorento, the extra-spacious 7-seater combines striking design, cutting-edge technology and absolute commitment to quality; Sportage, a passenger car-type SUV capable of meeting the needs of the workday commute and weekend outing; Grand Carnival with superior design and truly smart features; Niro Plug In Hybrid, the next step in the electric evolution; and Optima Hybrid, elegant, refined and ergonomically designed, this large car provides exceptional driver and passenger comfort.

Hyundai launches ELITE i20, showcases ‘IONIQ’

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) launched its Super Performer Iconic Premium Compact – ‘The New 2018 ELITE i20’ that embodies its modern premium offering for the global customers. Hyundai also unveiled its global electric vehicle, IONIQ at Auto Expo-Motor Show 2018. Under the theme ‘Experience Hyundai´, Hyundai showcased a number of exciting cars and technologies at its pavilion at the Show giving visitors a glimpse of the company’s new and futuristic innovations.

Y K Koo, Managing Director and CEO, HMIL said, “The ELITE i20 has been a global success, with over 400,000 happy customers since its launch in 2014. It is a product of our continuous R&D efforts to bring out a premium, sporty and stylish design equipped with hi-tech and convenience features offering uncompromised safety along with advanced dynamics. The New 2018 ELITE i20 is aesthetically designed with premium interiors and modern looks that make it truly appealing.”

The IONIQ Zone at the Show presented Hyundai’s technological advancements in electric and hybrid technology. Hyundai Motor India is working on its

blueprint to move into new automotive space of eco-friendly vehicles.

Koo said “The IONIQ is a significant leap forward for Hyundai Motor as it intensifies its commitment to produce highly efficient, eco-friendly vehicles. Hyundai is a caring brand and we are committed towards clean mobility solutions to make a long-term transformation that will benefit our future generations. Hyundai is future ready to deliver diverse eco-friendly cars for aspiring customers around the globe without compromising on driving dynamics and performance: a balance of attributes we call ‘Green Performance’.”

Honda 2Wheelers unveils 11 new models

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. unveiled its most extensive product line-up of 11 new models at the Auto Expo-The Motor Show 2018. Leading from the front is Honda’s brand new 160cc motorcycle X-Blade along with 10 exciting 2018 editions (6 domestic models and 4 global fun bikes). Takahiro Hachigo, President, CEO & Representative Director, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Japan, said “India being the largest motorcycle market for Honda contributes almost one-third of Honda’s global motorcycle sales. Global Honda will continue to provide full support to our Indian motorcycle operations. By providing more advanced models with segment leading features, we will create higher value at a reasonable price and transform customer expectations into reality. As for our global, big “Fun bikes” which feature those advanced technolo- gies, we will bring them to the Indian market much faster, better aligned to the global launch timing. This will help meet the more diverse customer needs in India.”

Minoru Kato, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., said “gaining maximum market share, Honda is set to cross 6 million sales target this fiscal year. Our 3 new models of 2017-18: CLIQ, Africa Twin and GRAZIA are already well received in the Indian market. I am confident that India will experience street riding like never before on our 4th new offering X-Blade with leading segment-first features. 2018 will be an exciting year for the two-wheeler industry and Honda is all set to transform the way India rides in future.”

Smart Mobility for Smart Cities from Tata Motors

With a fresh new appearance, in the 150th year of the Group, Tata Motors brought alive the Government’s vision of smart cities of the future with its ‘Smart Mobility, Smart Cities’ theme at the ‘Auto Expo - The Motor Show 2018’. Showcasing mobility solutions for intelligently connected cities designed to offer convenience, safety, security, and efficiency to its customers, Tata Motors demonstrated its capabilities shaping India’s future of mobility. In the Passenger Vehicles segment, 2 innovations made their global debut at the Motor Show. These were the ‘H5X concept’ from the ‘Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced’ Architecture, the 5-seater luxury SUV, set to redefine the SUV benchmarks in the country and the ‘45X concept’ – the premium hatchback based on the versatile ‘Agile Light Flexible Advanced’ Architecture.

In the commercial vehicles segment, the all-new Tata INTRA - the stylish, feature loaded, compact truck that is set to re-define the SCV segment in the country was unveiled. Bollywood Superstar and Tata Motors’ CV business brand ambassador, Akshay Kumar made a grand entry unveiling the Tata INTRA in a dramatic fashion. Also displayed were the SIGNA 4323, India’s first 6-axle rigid truck with a 30-tonne payload, the highest in the market and the all-new Ultra T.7, an elegant LCV based on the modular ULTRA platform and with a 1.9-meter, wide cabin. Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors, said “Tata Motors has a longstanding relationship with Auto Expo, with special premieres of leading-edge solutions from the company’s passenger and commercial vehicles portfolio. This Auto Expo, we have taken it several notches higher, outlining our plans for the future of India’s Smart Cities and its connected generation”.

Hero MotoCorp offers premium two-wheelers

Hero MotoCorp Ltd., the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, unveiled a new range of products at the Auto Expo -The Motor Show 2018. Four months after showcasing the XPulse as a concept in Milan, Hero MotoCorp has brought the production-ready 200cc adventure motorcycle - XPulse into the market. It is India’s first 200cc adventure bike, and Hero’s second new offering in the premium segment,