Electric Dreams
The future may be electric but the present is still petrol and diesel—at least based on the latest edition of India’s largest automotive show.
Running February 9 to 14 at the Indian Expo Mart in Greater Noida, ‘Auto Expo—The Motor Show 2018’ will host some 42 manufacturers displaying their two-wheelers, cars and commercial vehicles. Of particular interest, Kia will unveil its made-for-India SUV, the ‘SP-Concept’, which will give competition to Hyundai’s Creta later this year.
Maruti-Suzuki will have a couple of concepts on display, including a forerunner of an SUV-type compact car. It will also launch the new third-generation Swift. Main rival Hyundai will display 15 different models, including the electric, hybrid and plug-in Ioniq as well as compact SUV ‘Kona’, an electric version of which may be launched here next year.
Tata Motors will debut three new products across its vehicle range, including a compact SUV that’ll be positioned above the Nexon as well as a range of electric versions of its cars and the Tamo Racemo—a sports car concept that may never go into production. Mahindra’s main attraction will be the convertible SUV based on the XUV500, its new SsangYong Rexton and its future range of electric cars. All six will be new, including two concepts.
Honda will highlight the new Civic and CR-V, while Renault will display the Marvel editions of the Kwid. BMW will launch the new 6GT and the Mini Countryman and also showcase its range of motorcycles. Mercedes will showcase its global electric concept, the EQ, launch the Mercedes-Maybach S650 and debut the new E-class All Terrain—a souped-up AWD version of the Eclass station-wagon.
Honda Motorcycles (HMSI) will showcase 11 new models for India and launch a new one, while start-up Twenty Two Motors will showcase its electric bike. Two-wheeler manufacturers will take the lead in terms of electric bikes on display.