Automotive tech fair: Campus abuzz with pricey motorbikes, distinctive cars

As the crowd started milling around the motorbike, the ‘Automotive Technology Fair 2011’ organised by Society of Automotive Engineers in association with NIE-Eicher Centre for Automobile Technology, regional president India, Gasoline Systems, Bosch, N Sandeep switched on the ignition of the costliest motorbike displayed at the expo to inaugurate the two-day fair. Deccan Herald is the media partner for this event.

College students thronged the exhibition, admiring neo and vintage motorbikes. Vintage motorbikes included the famed Lambrettas, Italian Vespas and also a 50cc 1967 Coimbatore manufacture Suvega.

A 1934 model BSA Goldstar, 1947 model Vespa 150cc, Lamby 150, 1947 model Java CZ were also attention grabbers at the expo. The Ducati, Suzuki and Yamaha superbikes weren’t left behind as youngsters lined up to click a few pictures of the super quick motorbikes.

While motorbikes were the attention grabbers inside the stadium, a rare 1927 model Baby Austin manufacture in England and showcased at the expo by an alumni of NIE was a hit among car lovers. FIAT, Toyota, Mercedes Benz and a BMW 316i were also on display.

Even though the expo was only meant for vintage cars, a Porsche Boxter, driven by a visitor, which reportedly costs around Rs one crore, also was a huge hit among the youth. In all 70 vintage and 15 neo bikes were on display at the expo. It also included 14 vintage cars.

Bosch had set-up a technology pavilion, which had an entire range of Bosch automotive products and technologies including fuel injectors, fuel pumps and spark plugs. J K Tyres displayed an array of tyres manufactured by the company.

Students took out technical presentations on Kinetic Energy Recovery System used in Formula1 cars, anti-lock braking systems, hybrid vehicles and green engines.