Auto Expo set to dazzle audience with launches

With 24 new launches, India’s biggest auto show, Auto Expo, is all set to amaze its audience for a week from February 7.

The 14th edition of the biennial event, which will see some 12 start- ups participate in the Auto Expo this time, is expected to ‘ increase the adrenaline flow’, according to SIAM president Abhay Firodia.

“This shows the kind of change coming over in the sector and innovation becoming a norm,” said Mr Firodia.

However, the Auto Expo will see reduced participation as some car companies complained about high participation fee.

Mr Firodia said he doesn’t think cost is the major consideration for not participation. “It is bundle of things ( for not participating). Space cost will be around 15 per cent of the total cost for the participant. ■ ■ You participate in the Auto Expo when you have something exciting to showcase. To prepare and present that is a significant cost,” he said.

Mr Firodia said that auto companies which participate in Auto Expo don’t look at the cost as a waste but rather as an investment in branding and building relationships.

He said that companies that don’t participate usually do so as the cycle of their product launch doesn’t match with the timing of the Auto Expo.

Speaking on the events, he said, “There are many events happening for the first time, including Motorsports, auto gaming arena, future decoded ( virtual reality zone) and autonomous vehicle display which will show what the future would be like.”

The expo, co- organised by SIAM, CII and Auto Component Manufacturers Association of India ( ACMA), will be held at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida.

The components show will be held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi from February 8- 11.

Mr Firodia further said that during the expo, visitors will get a chance to see what an autonomous vehicle powered by artificial intelligence is and how it will benefit the consumer and increase safety.

Meanwhile, for the first time Twitter is collaborating with SIAM for the Auto Expo 2018.

As part of the collaboration, Twitter will be hosting a special # BlueRoom pop- up show onsite, live stream highlights from the Auto Expo, and make available a custom Auto Expo emoji for automotive fans to share what’s happening.

For the first time in Asia, Twitter is launching an emoji for an automotive show with the Auto Expo 2018 that would be available till February 28.