Stars add glitz to Auto Expo

While Khan, the brand ambassador of Hyundai Motors, unveiled the new i10 electric car and sports variant of Genesis, Devgan visited the Mahindra & Mahindra stall and launched a picture booklet of the 'Scorpio', besides unveiling a limited edition of the SUV.
On a hectic day that saw unveiling of over 10 different types of vehicles, a late appearance by Khan threw schedules out of gear. It, however, didn't stop other companies from showcasing their latest offerings.

German car maker Volkswagen showcased its high-end luxury car Phaeton with sticker price of Rs 75 lakh that will be available in the market from March onwards.

"With the launch of Phaeton in March this year Volkswagen would register entry into the high-end luxury segment," Volkswagen Group Sales India, Member of the Board of Directors, Neeraj Garg said.

The other highlight of the day was the announcement of designer Nano, which will cost around Rs one crore, which is hundred times the original price with another Bollywood star Viveik Oberoi lending support.

"The Rs 1 crore Nano will be ready for public unveiling within the next two months ... we will make one car to begin with but if there is more demand than we will make additional units," DC Designs Promoter Dilip Chhabria said.

Italian auto major Fiat showcased versions of its offerings in India, including the Linea, luxury small car 500 and Punto.

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly added the celebrity quotient when he unveiled two bikes from Kolkata-based Vibgyor Vehicles.

The day also witnessed major commercial vehicle makers launching their new products with Hinduja flagship company Ashok Leyland introducing, what it claimed the first hybrid bus in India, the Hybus.

German auto major Mercedes-Benz launched its multi-axle luxury bus which is priced Rs 85 lakh, while Volvo also introduced its advanced truck FH520.

Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd, the JV between Mahindra & Mahindra and US' Navistar Inc, introduced two more trucks in 40 and 49 tons segment.

Bike maker Royal Enfield, a part of Eicher Motors, said it will shift entire production to a new engine platform from April this year to make products compliant to stricter emission norms 'Bharat Stage III'.