AUTO EXPO 2018

The mega automotive extravaganza is back. We bring you the most detailed coverage

Being my 10th auto expo as an automotive j ournalist and in all the expos that I have been to over the years, this must have been the one with lowest percentage of manufacturers in India present at the show. Of course, separating the components expo from the motor show does scale down both the shows as well and that was evident more so this time than previously.

Held in Greater Noida, the Auto Expo 2018 stood out not so much about the missing manufacturers and not so much about the numerous electric two-wheelers, t hree and four wheelers as it did about the overwhelming swing in the favour of the SUV.

Whether it was Maruti-Suzuki that showcased its study of small car in the shape of an SUV-designed for India, or it was Kia, the new manufacturer that nailed what Indians desire in an SUV to a T with the SP Concept or Hyundai that unveiled its first electric vehicle SUV; it was Tata Motors though that stole the show in terms of concepts with two stunners one a near production SUV and another sharp and SUV-ish study for a premium hatchback.

But such was the state of affairs at the Auto Expo 2018 that the largest number of launches and unveils were by the BMW Group, a supposedly niche manufacturer of premium vehicles in India. The company’s sales in the country comprise less than half a per cent of the car market and almost negligible for its two-wheeler market.

However, the bike manufacturers were out in force with all the mainstream makers except one and had some lovely concepts and production models to display.

Read our detailed coverage as we break down the Auto Expo 2018 in the following pages, with all the concepts, models, displays as well as sights and sounds. Enjoy!