Auto Expo 2016 kicks off with a bang

The much awaited 13^th edition of the Auto Expo got off to a good start on February 3^rd for the media. The Expo is being held at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida and opens for the public on February 5^th, Friday.

The expo will showcase cars and bikes from around 40 brands and also showcase automobile trends.

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza unveiling kick started the Auto Expo . This model will be competing with other models like Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV300, besides being pitched against Renault Duster and Hyundai Creta.

The conceptualization, design and development of the compact urban SUV has been done in India using a Suzuki global platform and engine.

General Motors on day 1 revealed more details of its transformation strategy for India by announcing the 2017 launch of an all-new four-door notchback, the Chevrolet Essentia, at the Auto Expo itself.

Chevrolet plans to aggressively increase its presence on Indian roads by tackling the fiercely competitive A-segment with an exciting new car that recognizes the need for a traditional but richly appointed notchback.

GM also took the opportunity to showcase a fun and spirited soft-roader concept based on the same platform called the Chevrolet Beat Activ. The concept explores exciting new opportunities in the market for a youthful car designed to stand out in a crowd.

“GM India is prepared to grow under a new leadership team along with new investment and an all-new product strategy. We believe in the long-term potential of the Indian market,” GM Executive Vice President and President of GM International Stefan Jacoby said.

The Auto Expo was started in 1986 and was essentially a 9-day domestic convention of automakers in the country. Since then, the Expo has grown steadily in both size and influence over the last three decades. According to a report by Hindustan Times, with 1,580 participants unveiling over 80 new cars and bikes, the show is expected to attract nearly 7 lakh people.

The Automotive Components Manufacturing Association (ACMA), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) jointly organises the Auto Expo. It has also been accredited by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA).

At a time when the entrepreneurial and start-up eco-system is booming and the government recently announcing the Startup Action plan, the Delhi Auto Expo 2016 is an event that has the potential to establish India on the world automobile map as one of the premier manufacturing hubs for the motor vehicle industry.