Upasana Pande

Auto buffs in the country are gearing up for the Auto Expo (January 15-23). Never mind that bigwigs like Maruti and Honda have decided to stay away from the Auto Expo. While these auto majors are realising that participating in a show like this is not always worth it, other manufacturers are using this opportunity to showcase their latest and best offerings. Given below are brief accounts of what the participating car majors are planning to display.

Mercedes-Benz M Class

Telco will be the biggest exhibitor this year. Apart from the Safari and the Indica, the company will display the Magna and the Aria. The Aria is a concept vehicle, not really meant for series production. Also on display will be the three-box (saloon) and the estate versions of the Indica. Telco will put on display numerous commercial vehicles and special interest vehicles, too. Besides, a range of Cummins diesel engines will be also showcased.

Mercedes-Benz will showcase its international models ranging from upgraded versions of the C-Class to the SLK, CLK and the M-Class. The S500 and the S600 will also be on display as the company is on the verge of getting its Completely Built Up (CBU) licence and would soon be able to offer its customers a whole range from its international options. In fact, Mercedes has gone to the extent of homologating its range of vehicles so that the imports can begin as soon as the licence arrives.

Fiat Siena Weekend

Fiat will, of course, display its new kid on the block, the Palio. While the Palio Adventure is one option which would essentially be an estate version, the other cars on display could be the new look Siena as well as other international favourites from the Fiat stable like the Alfa Romeo. Of course, Fiat would also display vehicles like the Multipla, which is a Multi-utility vehicles (MUV). Fiat is looking for a bigger car in a more premium range, a gap which could be well bridged by the Alfa or the Lancia.

Skoda would be displaying the Octavia and the Fabia as also the high-end Lauren and Klement versions of the Octavia Combi, which is basically an estate car. The version on display would be the 4x4 with a 6-speed transmission, considered the jewel in the crown of the Octavia range. Also on display would be a wide range of accessories for Skoda cars which are being introduced shortly and the Superb car, another possible launch.

Skoda Fabia

Hyundai is one manufacturer riding very bullish on India and hence is going to showcase up to five new models, ranging from the Tiburon Sports coupe to the Santa Fe sports utility vehicle (SUV) and the Grandeur XG, the top of the line Hyundai luxury car. Of course, Santro and Accent as well as the luxurious Sonata will also be on display.

Ford will be another company to display its products in the Auto Expo and will exhibit the Ikon in various forms including the Ikon GT and the Mondeo in both petrol and diesel versions. Ford also intends to display the Escape SUV, but that is subject to the vehicle being imported in time. Ford has established its ‘josh’ concept very well and its future offerings promise to showcase just that.

Ford Ikon GT

Toyota intends to have a major display at the Auto Expo and will showcase its Land Cruiser Prado and some models from its Lexus range. The display will also include the Corolla and the Qualis in both petrol and diesel trims.

Bajaj Tempo as usual will be present with its Trax range of utility vehicles and other commercial vehicles. The Trax range now boasts of turbo-charged diesel engines and disc brakes and synchromesh gear-boxes, which Bajaj Tempo hopes will attract more civilised customers. So far they have not been able to penetrate the North Indian market but hope to make an impact with their Gama and Judo range.