The 2014 edition of the India Auto Expo starts with automobile companies fervently hoping that new models unveiled at the mega biennial auto show will not only help revive consumer sentiment, but also result in better sales volume afterwards.
This is for the first time that the auto expo has been split into two parts. While Component Show has been retained at Indian Auto Expo, Pragati Maidan, in Delhi between February 6-9, 2014, the automotive manufacturers’ show has been shifted to Indian Expo Mart, Greater Noida, from February 7-11, 2014.
The first two days of the show have been reserved for media and entry for general public is restricted for two days.
Co-organisers of the show — the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) — apparently have learnt a lesson from previous shows on crowd management and have assured a better performance this year.
SIAM President Vikram Kirloskar said that though the expo has been split because of lack of space, organisers prefer a single show under one roof. The organisers are also claiming that the 2014 edition of the India Auto Expo will be more organised, focused and grander with a record number of 69 launches happening at the new venue at Greater Noida.
The 12th edition of the Auto Expo from February 5, will witness 23 car and SUV exhibitors, 47 vehicle exhibitors, 10 Commercial Vehicle exhibitors and six electric vehicle exhibitors. A total of 35 auto makers had participated in the last Auto Expo.
With new launches and unveiling of new models, Kisloskar said that the industry is hoping for a boost in demand through the show.
“There is pent-up demand, but consumers are delaying purchases because of factors like lesser income, high interest rates and inflation. We are hoping that this Auto Expo will draw them out to trigger demand, although the revival in the automobile market is unlikely unless there is a revival of economic growth,” Kirloskar said.
This is also for the first time that some of new brands are participating for the first time like Datsun, Italian bike maker Moto Morini, DSK Hyosung and Japan’s Isuzu Motors.
While the 11th edition of the Auto Expo 2012 had seen 47 vehicles getting launched, Auto Expo 2014 will see a record number of 69 launches happening at Greater Noida, out of which 26 would be global ones.
Tata Motors, along with Jaguar and land Rover, will launch the highest number of vehicles. While Tata Motors will have seven global launches, JlR will have four launches for the Indian market. Tata Motors plans to unveil its line of Falcon 4 and Falcon 5 vehicles. In all, they would launch the maximum number of 11 products.
luxury carmaker BMW and French carmaker Renault will have four launches each. While BMW will showcase four models, including its Mini brand, Renault has lined up three global and one Indian launches at the venue.
Maruti Suzuki India will have three global launches. Maruti may unveil its much talked about hatchback named ‘Celerio’. XA Alpha SUV, that was showcased at Auto Expo 2012, is also supposed to be showcased at the event. Maruti Suzuki also plans to unveil the face-lifted version of the Swift and A-Star.
Maruti’s arch rival South Korean carmaker Hyundai will have one global and local launch each. Hyundai is expected to take the wraps off its new Grand i10 compact sedan at the Auto Expo.
As for bike lovers, they will also get their dues as altogether 12 launches would happen out of which three would be global ones. The new venue would see 17 commercial vehicles getting launched out which eight would be global launch.
Auto expos have always provided a most suitable platform for global carmakers to launch their vehicles and this is the reason auto experts say this kind of event sees huge success and cars launched at the Auto Expo generate good sales later on.
The new venue has clear a advantage over Pragati Maidan because of its having ultra modern facilities that allow event managers to build special modern enclosures that let manufacturers display their new and existing products.
The new venue has a total of 2,35,000 sq. meters of area, out of which almost 75,000 sq. meters are fixed indoor exhibition centers of which over 60,000 sq. metres will be utilised for the 2014 Indian Auto Expo. An additional 18,000 sq. meters will be used for activities like driving simulators, motorcycle riding areas, electric and hybrid mobility city (including a driving experience) and a large vintage car display. An additional 32,000 sq. meters will be used for the likes of a VIP and media lounge, offices, food and beverage restaurants, and various entertainment acts.
SIAM expects a total of about 5.40 lakh people to visit the event. At the last expo in 2012, around 7 lakh people had visited the expo. It is expecting around one lakh footfalls per day on public days from February 7-11 at Greater Noida for the motor show.
The ticket prices for the general public have been kept the same as last time at Rs 200 and Rs 500.