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Fifty new vehicle launches at Auto Expo 2012
Fifty new
two-wheelers, cars, buses and trucks would be launched at the Auto
Expo 2012 beginning here Jan 5.
"This year's auto expo will have 50 launches across categories
like two-wheelers, trucks, buses and cars," S. Sandilya,
president
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New Delhi: Despite a
slowdown in their sales, car makers are all set to dazzle visitors
at the Auto Expo 2012 here with their new vehicles and designs for
mobility in future.
"The slowdown in the passenger car segment is just a short-term
phenomenon. In the long term, automobile companies are very
bullish about the Indian market and that's why they will showcase
all their product offerings to familiarise the customers," Abdul
Majeed, partner for the automotive practice at
PricewaterhouseCoopers, told IANS.
Fuel price hikes and rising interest rates affected car sales last
calendar year.
"There may not be an immediate increase in sales or so," Majeed
said. "But the companies would want the customers to know about
their product offerings."
The trade show begins at Pragati Maidan in the capital Jan 5.
The Indian car giant Maruti Suzuki will roll out its multipurpose
vehicle Ertiga.
The company is also expected to showcase a compact sports utility
vehicle (SUV), Swift Sports, and a hybrid version of the hatchback
Swift.
Chennai-based Hyundai said it would showcase its multi-utility
vehicle (MUV) HND-7, three-door utility coupe Veloster and premium
sedan Elantra.
The biggest buzz, however, is about Bajaj Auto's entry-level
passenger carrier, RE60.
It is also being speculated that Tata Motors will give a glimpse
of the diesel variant of its own entry-level car Nano.
The company is also expected to showcase the new version of its
SUV Safari Storm.
Mahindra and Mahindra is said to be coming up with its new Reva
electric car at the Auto Expo.
Italian car maker Fiat is lining up its new Linea and Punto.
The company will also be opening a lounge, the Fiat Cafe, in
Delhi.
French auto-maker Renault plans to unveil its hatchback Pulse and
SUV Duster.
In the luxury segment, Mercedes will roll in its new M-class,
followed by the launch of its sports car, Roadster, and concept
car A-Class.
German auto-major BMW is planning to hog the fair limelight with
its mini range of cars, while Audi will launch its compact SUV Q3.
The Expo will also see first-time participation from Ferrari and
Peugeot.
In the two-wheeler segment, Mahindra will launch its new Duro DZ
scooter model and unveil its MGP30 racing motorcycle.
The 11th edition of the biennial exhibition is being jointly
organised by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers
(SIAM), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and the
Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA).
Some 1,500 exhibitors from 24 countries are to participate in the
show.
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