The 2018 Auto Expo is underway and like always, this time too, the biennial motor show held up to its fame of being the biggest motor show in Asia with lots of interesting launches and unveils. The Auto Expo is open to the public for viewing now, with most of the launches/unveils happening in the first three days. While it was a big affair, this year's expo did miss out on almost a dozen manufacturers which included the entire Volkswagen Group (Audi, Porsche, Skoda, Volkswagen, and Ducati in India) along with majors such as Nissan, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and so on. ON the two-wheeler scheme of things, manufacturers such as Bajaj, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Royal Enfield did not participate.
Also Read: Auto Expo 2018: Top 7 Electric Cars Showcased
Not all is gloom and doom though! This year, the Auto Expo saw 22 launches and over 100 unveilings which included production, near production models and mouth-watering concept models as well. Another noticeable trend was the theme of electrification, which many manufacturers adhered to, showcasing production and concept electric vehicles. A quick update on the Indian auto industry as well! In the ongoing fiscal year, India crossed the 3.2 million sales mark for the first time ever in the passenger and utility cars market. The commercial vehicle market in India stands at 7.5 Lakh units and is expected to grow by 5 to 6 percent in the FY 18-19, with exports from India likely to grow at a CAGR of 12 to 15 percent by 2020. So here is a list of all important launches and unveils from the 2018 Auto Expo.
(Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar launching the BMW 6-Series GT with Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group, India)BMW went all guns blazing, with multiple models launched and showcased. The German brand launched the M3, M4 and the M5 along with the X6 and the 6-Series GT. It also showcased the all-new Mini Countryman and the i8 Coupe and the i3S from its 'i' series of hybrid and electric vehicles. The company also showcased and launched few two-wheelers, which we will talk about in a separate story. BMW was perhaps the most active manufacturer at 2018 Auto Expo.
(2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift Launch)India's biggest four-wheeler manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki launched the all-new Swift in India, with prices starting at Rs. 4.99 lakh. This is new-generation model, which we have already driven. Along with the new-gen Swift, the company also showcased the Concept Future S and the E-Survivor concept and it spoke about electrification as well.
(The new-gen Honda Amaze takes a new shape with bold styling and new design)Honda had showcased the production ready versions of the new-generation Amaze, the Honda Civic and the new-generation CR-V. All three models will launch in India within the year. Coming to concepts, the company had showcased the Honda Sports EV Concept, Honda NeuV and the Clarity Fuel Cell Concept.
(2018 Hyundai i20)The Hyundai i20 Facelift had its global debut at Auto Expo 2018 and will soon be launched in India as well. Along with the i20 facelift, Hyundai also showcased the Ioniq, which is its most popular EV across the globe.
Also Read: Top 5 two-wheeler Concepts Showcased At Auto Expo 2018
(Renault Trezor)Renault displayed the stunning Trezor concept along with the Zoe at the Auto Expo. In addition, the company also showcased the Kwid Superhero edition, which it launched recently.
(Mercedes-Maybach S650)The Auto Expo also witnessed the launch of the Mercedes-Maybach in two guises, which is the S650 and the S560. Mercedes claims these to be the most luxurious limousines in the segment. Additionally, the Mercedes-Benz pavilion had the E-Class All Terrain and the stunning EQ concept on display as well.
(The butch-looking Tata H5X SUV concept)Right! Tata had a huge pavilion showcasing some rather cool concepts in the H5X SUV concept and the 45X hatchback concept. Sporting a sharp design and great looks, we like the way Tata's design philosophy is heading in. The other displays of interest were the EV models of the Tiago and the Tigor. Also, Tata displayed the electric version of its first ever racecar, the Tamo Racemo! Plus, Tata had its range of new commercial vehicles as well.
(Mahindra Badged Rexton will get a new name in India)Like Tata, Mahindra too had a rather big pavilion showcasing all of its new concepts and commercial vehicles. This time around, the company had a theme of electrification, displaying some EV concepts along with the new Ssangyong Rexton, which will be launched in India, branded as a Mahindra SUV. The other thing to look out for is the Stinger, a roofless concept based on the TUV300. It sure does look quirky. Then, there was the electric KUV100, which Mahindra says could go into production in the near future.
(Kia SP SUV Concept)Kia Motors of Korea has officially entered India and will be setting up its plant in Andhra Pradesh. Plus, Kia Motors officially entered India and had a displayed a star-studded line-up of its finest along with stunning SP Concept, which will soon see the light of the day in India too.
