PARIS DOES IT AGAIN

Pratik Rakshit runs down the key launches, concepts and big news as it happened at the world’s oldest motorshow

The oldest automobile event was back in Paris this year, as the biennial motor show, now in its 120th year, showcased some of the latest innovations in the automobile industry. However, this year was little different as major carmakers gave the motor show a miss, these include- Rolls Royce, Ford, Volkswagen and even Volvo to name a few. Whilst it was a miss for the aforementioned big guys, other well known brands made sure they stole the show this time, and by the end of it, they did.

Audi led the charge with four products including the new Q3, which will also come to India later, while it also gave a global premiere to Audi A1, Audi SQ2 and Audi R8 LMS GT3. Bavarian carmaker BMW wasn’t too far behind as the new 3 series grabbed all the eyeballs along with the all new Z4 roadster and so did the Mercedes-Benz pavilion. Others included Porsche, Skoda and Land Rover. Like a lways, the motor show was a mix practical cars and electric cars with enough power coming in from hybrids. Overall, there was a sense of purpose and a sensible take on electrification and future-tech.