AUTO EXPO GETS ELECTRIC PUSH
■ Car companies unveil electric concepts; Maruti plans e- car by 2020, Hyundai by 2019
With the government and consumer mood shifting towards cleaner technology, Auto Expo 2018 saw a slew of concept electric vehicle launches from car makers, including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mercedes, Renault and Tata Motors.
Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai on Wednesday announced their plans to launch electric vehicles in India.
Maruti Suzuki said that it will launch its first electric vehicle in India by 2020 and Hyundai said that it plans to bring its electric vehicle in 2019 itself.
Renault showcased its two concept electric vehicles a twoseater electric coupé TREZOR and ZOE eSport Concept to showcase its commitment to bring e- vehicles them in Indian market.
Mercedes Benz launched its concept electric SUV “Concept EQ”. The company said it was looking to to garner 25 per cent of its revenue from electric vehicles by 2025.
“I am very happy to share that in line with the government’s vision, we will launch our first electric vehicle in 2020 in India which will be locally manufactured. We are studying aspects of the electric vehicle ecosystem, to make the government’s vision of electric mobility a reality,” said Kenichi Ayukawa, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki. It is likely to introduce the electric vehicle in India in tie up with Toyota Motor.
“We are planning to unveil and launch an electric vehicle in India by 2019. This is our target,” Hyundai India CEO and MD Y. K. Koo said.