Asia's largest Auto Expo begins in Delhi from Jan 5

Touted as Asia’s largest auto exhibition “as many as 800 auto makers and component manufacturers from 40 countries and 1,300 Indian firms will participate in the show,” Auto Expo Chairman Rajive Kaul, told reporters.  “A massive surge of overseas participation resulting in an increase of 40 per cent in area, bigger contingents from Germany and China, besides a strong presence of Indian manufacturers have all resulted in a complete booking of space at the venue,” he said.

“The magnitude of demand for space has been so high that several are still waiting for a possible entry. We are working out how to accommodate those firms, who are in the queue,” Kaul said.

The largest participation will be from China, which has booked floor area of 5000 square meters, followed by Germany. After a gap of several years Japanese auto major Toyota will be participating in the expo, being jointly organised by Confederation of Indian Industry along with Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA)—once in every two years.

Leading auto makers will make global launches of some of their models during the forthcoming Auto Expo. “At least there will be 10 global launches in various segments ranging from two wheelers to commercial vehicles,” he said. Honda and Toyota will make presentation of “Concept Cars” in small car segments. Among notable new comers include high-end bike manufacturers Harley Davidson. The Auto Expo is “Mobility for All.” The focus will on green technology with emphasis on hybrid vehicles and “green” engines. SIAM President Pawan Goenka said India’s auto industry is expected to witness investment inflows of Rs 30,000 crore in the next 3 to 4 years as committed by various auto manufacturers—global as well as domestic.