The Delhi Auto Expo 2014 is set to be a literal treat for car lovers and prospective car buyers alike. Car aficionados can expect a mouthwatering array of new launches, up-gradations and other treats at the event. A total of 70 launches are scheduled to take place at this Greater Noida event from February 7 onwards. The mood in the Indian automobile sector is quite downbeat in present times, what with slowdowns, shrinking sales and reduction in customer demand. The 2014 Delhi Auto Expo is a landmark event for the troubled automobile sector. This is billed to be the largest car and bike show in the history of the country.
The auto industry has been hit by diminishing sales in recent times. The month of December alone saw a drop in sales by almost 10% overall. However, the mood has perked up among car manufacturers ahead of the upcoming Auto Expo. This show gives car manufacturers a platform to beat the downturn and this explains the mind boggling number of new launches expected at the same. Auto companies are going all out to woo companies with free shuttle services from metro stations, dedicated expressway lanes and toll collection at the venue.
There are added attractions like food and beverage stalls and kiosks along with two five star restaurants as well. There will also be an exclusive lottery for visitors each day, the winner of which will receive a new car. Go-karting facilities will also be present along with a wide selection of vintage cars to arouse the interest of potential customers. Car manufacturers are putting the slump behind them and going all out to make the Expo a roaring success. Read on for a comprehensive preview of the Delhi Auto Expo 2014 and the cars to watch out for!
Most awaited launches and other news
Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover are expected to lift the wraps of a staggering eleven models at the Auto Expo. Maruti Suzuki also has an impressive line-up ready for the expo along with Hyundai, Renault and BMW which will have four launches each. Ford is supposed to unveil a popular concept while Mercedes Benz, Toyota and Audi will launch variations of flagship car models.
Japanese car makers can well be the victors at the 2014 Auto Expo. Honda Motors for one is coming up with an impressive line-up of models. Expect the newly launched version of the City to occupy pride of place at the Honda corner along with the new Jazz hatchback model and other awaited models like the hybrid variant of the Honda Accord luxury sedan and a futuristic concept model, Vision XS-1, a crossover which will have its global debut at the Expo along with the MPV Mobilio. Coming to Nissan, the car maker will unveil the all new version of its sedan Sunny along with the GT-R GT500 race car. The Friend-ME concept car will also be unveiled along with the global unveiling of the Datsun concept car. The newly restored Datsun brand will also be flaunted by Nissan with the Go+ MPV and the Go to be unveiled at the expo.
Other major attractions at the Auto Expo 2014
There are two other major factors that are set to be relevant at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi. Global and Indian car makers are set to roll out a plethora of compact hatchback models which are deemed ideal for Indian customers. Even luxury car brands like Audi and BMW will display entry level small vehicles. Almost all car brands have recognized the potential and overall viability of hatchbacks in the Indian market. Expect a slew of tweaked hatchback models and launches at the Auto Expo. Secondly, the compact SUV and sub 4 meter segment is set to witness severe competition with multiple launches and displays. Things are set to get hotter with the unveiling of BMW’s i8 hybrid vehicle, the first of its acclaimed i-range.
Electric and hybrid cars will also be on display at the Auto Expo. Mahindra and Mahindra for one will be showcasing a hybrid version of its flagship model, the XUV and a Quanto hybrid is also expected. The Mahindra Reva electric four door sports model will also be unveiled. Maruti Suzuki will launch its much awaited Celerio with its USP being affordable automatic driving. This model will fight it out with the Honda Brio, Hyundai i10, Ford Figo and other models from Maruti’s own portfolio. Maruti Suzuki is also slated to unveil a new sedan to replace the SX4 and other concept cars. Hyundai will launch the i10 Grand entry level sedan, to take on the Swift Dzire and Honda Amaze in its segment. A coupe concept will also be displayed by Hyundai along with the new version of the SUV Santa Fe.
A few other launches that you should not miss
Volkswagen will unveil the Taigun and General Motors will unveil the Adra concept car. Among other compact SUV’s to be displayed, Fiat will unveil a new model while Renault will bring back the Duster SUV in an all-new avatar. A mint fresh Tata Motors compact SUV concept is also set to be displayed at the expo.
Luxury car maker Mercedes Benz will launch the AMG version of the acclaimed CLA luxury sedan along with the GLA compact SUV concept which is slated to be launched in India pretty soon. Audi will also lift the wraps of its eagerly anticipated RS 7 sports model and the new Audi A3 sedan. The Mercedes podium car driven by Formula One driver Nico Rosberg will also be displayed at the Expo, which is sure to grab the eyeballs of car lovers and F1 enthusiasts.
With the mouth watering array of models to be launched and other attractions, the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo promises something for every car connoisseur, prospective buyer, car enthusiast and even the fanatic. Be sure to catch all the action in less than a week’s time!