With its gates finally opening to the public, the third day of the 11th Auto Expo awoke to a rousing welcome as Pragati Maidan witnessed India’s passion for wheels and yet another surge of footfalls. A multitude of new products and upgrades await the anticipating crowds as exhibitors hope to receive a positive and an enthusiastic response from potential buyers and auto buffs K-EXPO FRANCE.
CII Director General Chandrajit Bannerjee said, “Bringing together so many automakers under one roof has been a successful endeavour and it has set the ball rolling for integration and alliance between manufacturers, suppliers and key strategists. The favorable outcome of the exposition can be judged by the tremendous turnout it has garnered”.
Going the green way
In tune with the theme “Mobility for All”, Firefox Bikes today launched the Trek Elite 9.9 SSL bicycle. With a full carbon frame and priced at Rs 4.25 lakh, it is touted to be the costliest cycle in the country but could be a viable option to save resources.
Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dixit along with Managing Director of GM India, Karl Slym, drew back the covers off the new Chevrolet E-Spark – another step towards promoting an eco-friendly way of life.
Maruti Suzuki’s electric car concept Eeco Charge is yet another offering that seeks to reduce the carbon footprint.
Carmakers pitch for the long ride
Volkswagen, the German automobile giant, targets the much sought-after SUV market with new versions of its SUV, Touareg and the small car Beetle. It also unveiled its concept hybrid car XL 1.
Renault also introduced its latest concept, DeZir – a two-seater designed to touch 100kmph in five seconds.
The two-wheeler reigns supreme
Italian heavyweight Ducati showcased its Monster 795 for the Asian market among 13 other models including the Hypermotard and Super Bike. Fending off competition from Harley Davidson and Triumph, the M795 has been aggressively priced at Rs.6.99 lakh.
Domestic players rise to the occasion
Force Motors exhibited the Traveller-26, declared to be the world’s largest monocoque van. Also on display are two CNG versions of Traveller and Trump and the Traveller Hybrid which houses onboard energy harvesting technology.