To be held at the newly built Codissia-Intech (Cointech) trade fair complex here, the auto fair will showcase latest in automobiles, accessories, components and ancillaries and automotive services. The show, being organised by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), is mainly targeted at consumer markets in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

The success of the show will be keenly watched since it is part of CII's efforts to take the acclaimed AutoExpo, held in Delhi, to regional centres.Mumbai and Chandigarh had played hosts to Auto Expo earlier.

``Coimbatore is the beehive for over 40,000 large, medium and small scale industries. Many OE manufacturers source their ancillary requirements from here.

Moreover, southern region has one of the highest vehicle to population ratios in the country,'' said CII (southern region) chairman Anil Kumar V Epur on why Coimbatore was chosen to host the exhibition's southern edition.Cointech trade fair complex here is the country's largest column-free exhibition hall of international standards.

``The fair will offer auto companies access to regional markets and explore OEM tie-ups and replacement markets. We are in touch with all major car makers and designers in the country. Some of them have already firmed up their participation,'' said CII Coimbatore zone chairman RVM Kesavachandra Rau. Massive promotional plans through print and visual media, hoardings, direct mailing and institutional networking are being line up. CII's affiliate bodies will also chip in to promote the fair. According to CII sources, upwards of Rs 40 lakh has been earmarked for the media campaigns.