Auto Expo 2020: Moving towards green mobility
TATA SIERRA
India’s biggest show on cars and bikes, the Auto Expo, wound up earlier this week. The biennial show saw some of India’s biggest automakers in attendance while an almost equal number especially the two-wheeler manufacturers decided to skip the show this time around. For majority of those who were there, a common theme was electric signalling the sign of the times. There were many e-vehicles on display, some in production form but a much larger number in concept avatar. Indigenous companies took the lead in presenting a slew of electric options, some of which will be launched in the Indian market in the times to come.
MAHINDRA FUNSTER
just go into production. The company also showcased recently launched Nexon EV and the upcoming Altroz EV at the show. And finally the HBX small SUV concept from Tata also vowed many at the show. The car might be launched in both electric and Petrol avatars when the day comes.
MARUTI SUZUKI FUTUROE VOLKSWAGEN ID.CROZZ
top speed of 80 kmph while running on those 13 inch wheels. Highlights on this 2 seat car are the gullwing doors and a carbon look roof. The car retails at around Rs 10 lakh in the European markets and because of that high cost is unlikely to come to India. The French car maker also displayed the Electric Kwid called K-ZE and the popular Zoe EV at the show. mix of electric, coupe and SUV. The car is based on Volkswagen’s unique Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) for the Indian market. The zero-emissions car delivers an impressive power of 300 bhp. It has a top speed of 180 km/h and can cover up to 500 km on one battery charge. A design highlight is a movable light blind in the illuminated panoramic roof that creates ambient lighting both inside and on the exterior.
The list of electric cars and bikes at the Expo was a long one. Mercedes-benz the only luxury car maker present at the show displayed the EQC SUV which will launch in India in April. While MG motor showed the Marvelx, a level 3 intelligent SUV, Great Wall Motors from China, making their India debut showcased the R1 electric hatch. On the 2-wheeler front some notable electric unveils were the Piaggio Elettrica and the Hero AE-47 motorcycle which promises a range of 160 kms.