Auto Expo Takes off with 51 launches, hybrids hog show

Auto Expo Takes off with 51 launches, hybrids hog show

The first two days i.e., February 3rd and 4th are open to media and business visitors.

Maruti officials pose with compact SUV Vitara Brezza at its launch at Auto Expo 2016 in Greater Noida on Wednesday.

Top sources in the company told TOI the compact SUV -codenamed HND-14 -is being handled by the research and development centre at Hyderabad, which is carrying out the groundwork for the new vehicle platform.

The Supreme Court last month ordered a temporary ban on the sale of large diesel cars in Delhi, among the world's most polluted cities. The Vitara Brezza launched by India's largest carmaker comes with paint schemes that combine more than one colour in ways preferred by prospective buyers. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd followed closely, with Honda Cars India Ltd, Tata Motors Ltd, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, Renault SA, Ford Motor Co, Toyota Motor Corp and Volkswagen AG trailing behind them.

Toyota is reported to be looking at introduce hybrid technology for its future models, as well as cars it now sells in India, as the country moves towards stricter emission norms. It also showcased its premium luxury Maybach S 60 Guard.

The company also showcased the commercial objective ISUZU D-MAX to be priced in the range of Rs.8.5-9.5 lakh. "The Compact SUV will be a tough competition to other players of the market", Maruti Suzuki India Limited's Head Domestic market RS Kalsi said at the launch.

Another star attraction was the iconic Jeep brand which announced foray with three models - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. However Maruti's focus wont deviate from the small auto segment entirely as a new addition would be made with the launch of the Ignis, a compact hatchback slightly bigger than the Celerio. BMW unveiled the all new BMW 7 series and BMW X1 while Jaguar managed to create some excitement with the launch of Jaguar XE with prices starting from Rs. 39.90 lakh. This is the first vehicle that was developed completely in India with no inputs from the Japanese team.

"In "Suzuki Next 100", our mid-term management plan, India is positioned as the most strategic market and production base".

The two-wheeler segment also saw some activity with Honda unveiling the 110 cc Navi, Hero MotorCorp with their first in-house motorcycle iSplendor 110, Suzuki's Access 125 and Piaggio's two-wheeler crossover Aprilia SR 150 etc.

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