Carmakers hope launches at Auto Expo will enthuse buyers Despite coronavirus scare, green vehicles steal proceedings at Auto Expo
PSU general insurers’ merger by March-end
The government aims to complete merger of three stateowned general insurance companies— National Insurance, United India Insurance, and Oriental Insurance — by the end of March, finance secretary Rajiv Kumar said. Respective boards of the three companies have already given their inprincipal approvals for the merger.
Despite a deadly cloud of coronavirus and prolonged slowing economy looming over Auto Expo 2020 at Greater Noida, automakers on the first day launched new cars priced from `8.25 lakh to a whopping `2.42 crore and unveiled several new upcoming models to woo buyers.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupé, launched on Wednesday starts at `2.42 crore at pan India showroom, is the fastest series-production sedan around the iconic Nürburgring racetrack.
This four-wheel drive Coupé comes fitted with a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, which is good for 639hp and 900Nm of torque. It springs to a claimed 0-100kph within 3.2 seconds.
South Korean car maker Kia Motors introduced its second offering for the Indian market, the Carnival MPV, at `24.95 lakh for the based model and `33.95 lakh for the top-end. Available with a sole diesel-automatic powertrain, the MPV can be had in three seating configurations and three trims — the entrylevel Premium variant is available as a 7- and 8seater, the mid-spec Prestige can be had in a 7or 9-seat arrangement and the range-topping Limousine variant gets a 7-seat layout with plush ‘VIP’ second-row seats.
The Carnival has bagged 3,500 orders, of which 70 per cent are for the topspec Carnival Limousine. Should the MPV sustain the initial momentum, Kia’s second model for India could be its second hit in a row after Kia Seltos midsize compact SUV. Kia also unveiled its Sonet compact SUV to be launched in India this year.
Skoda India, struggling to sell its cars, launched the Octavia RS 245 at `35.99 lakh. It comes as a Completely Built Unit and its production will be limited to just 200 units for the Indian market. While bookings will open on March 1, deliveries will take place in April.
Tata Motors launched the BS-6 Harrier starting at `13.69 lakh. The BS-6 Harrier automatic line-up starts at `16.25 lakh for the XMA variant, with the XZA costing `18.80 lakh, and the top-spec XZA+ is priced at `19.99 lakh. It also unveiled the Gravitas SUV.
Mahindra launched its all-electric eKUV100 priced at `8.25 lakh (ex-Delhi showroom including FAME II scheme benefits) makes it the most affordable electric car on sale in
Maruti Suzuki India’s MD and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa unveils the Concept Futuro-E in the SUV segment
A model poses next to a Hyundai Le Fil Rouge (HDC-1) concept car displayed at the Auto Expo 2020 in Greater
Noida
The newlylaunched Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S 4 door coupe, the Mahindra Funster EV Concept car and the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace were on display at the Auto Expo