Cars’
Day Out
At Auto Expo 2012, it was party time for auto manufacturers as well as car buffs. It rained variety as many cars were ‘unveiled’ and launched,
reports H Kishie Singh

For an auto aficionado, Auto Expo is the Mahakumbh of the Indian automobile industry. The car, no matter how big or small, no matter which make or who makes it, has always been an aspirational object of desire. The car, any car, is beautiful if not gorgeous. It is sensuous, it is exciting, it promises speed, it promises freedom. To satiate this desire, there is a tremendous upsurge of demand for this personal mode of transport. Ironically, the sales figures for the last three months of 2011 were quite dismal.

Despite the not-so-bright scenario, major foreign manufacturers made their announcements, their plans and operations on a very positive and optimistic note. This clearly reflected the future potential of the Indian automobile market.

Skoda, which has completed 10 years of operations in India, recorded a 50 per cent increase in the sales in 2011. The new Rapid Saloon, introduced at Diwali last year, has been a major contributor in accelerating the sales. As a commitment of Skoda’s confidence in the Indian market, Dr Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the board of directors, Skoda auto, said, "We are putting our gas foot down in India and are set to keep on raising our sales here!"

Alan Mullaly, CEO of Ford, US, has ambitious plans for the Eco Sport, an urban SUV, a global car whose Indian avatar is to yet to be finalised. While unveiling the Eco Sport at the Taj Palace, Alan Mullaly said. "India is a key element of Ford’s global strategy.

As soon as the satin cover on the Eco Sport was removed, Alan Mullaly bent down and kissed the Eco Sport! "It was in this very room, two years ago that I launched the Figo!," said Alan emotionally, no doubt hoping for a repeat performance from the Eco Sport. He also promised that Ford would bring out a total of eight models by 2015. The new Ford Fiesta and the Eco Sport SUV being the first two.

Toyota, one of the best-known names and one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers used Auto Expo to launch their new Camry. It is a Lexus look-alike, very generic.

The new Camry has undergone many changes while retaining its top of the class quietness, superb comfort, spaciousness and safety. The new Camry has dual zone A/c with rear A/c vents, a smart entry system with a stop/start push button. Audio, MID and bluetooth phone controls switches on the staring wheel. HID headlamps with auto-levelling and washers, front and rear parking sensors.

Toyota also introduced a two-wheel drive Fortuner. A two-wheel drive Fortuner? Yes! But if you want a two-wheel drive Fortuner, why not buy an Innova, a much more comfortable vehicle? However, the two-wheel drive Fortuner will offer you a four-speed automatic gear box, which has many advantages if you have to confront Delhi-type traffic on a daily basis.

The new Land Cruiser 200 will also be available at all Toyota dealerships across India, as of now as a CBU import. It has a new V-4 5-litre turbo diesel engine, a six-speed automatic transmission focusing in both low-speed and high-speed driving.

One of the most exciting off-road vehicles is a Quad. A four-wheel motorbike. Sounds crazy, that is because it’s a brand new invention. It is a go-anywhere vehicle but is not street legal. One of the best-known Quad manufacturers is Polaris. It is a true all-terrain vehicle- (ATV). Over the years, it has found favour with the police, fire department, forest rangers, farm purposes, as well as ambulances throughout the world. It is also the perfect recreational and utility toy for big boys.

India’s largest auto manufacturer, Maruti, has jumped onto the MPV band wagon. They launched the Ertiga, a compact and versatile MPV with seven seats in a three-row configuration. Having the style of a sedan, it will be available with a 1.4-litre petrol (new advance K 14 D engine) or diesel 1.3 litre D 13A engine.

Another SUV on show was the RiO. Based on a Daihatsu (Japanese) platform but sourced from Zotye Group (China), it is being marketed by Premier (former Premier Automobiles Ltd.) India! What is it? "It is a segment creation and perfect for those who want a truly different vehicle and driving experience", said Maitreya Doshi, CMD Premier Ltd.

Renault, a recent entry into India, officially launched the Pulse. A 1500-CC diesel engine will be on offer. It is a compact hatchback but has all the attributes of a premier variant. Renault also plans to launch the Duster, an SUV, by Diwali this year.

Hyundai, the country’s largest exporter and second largest manufacturer, launched the sixth-generation Sonata. An extremely good-looking car, the new Sonata is crafted on the principles of fluidic sculpture. It has six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, rear new cameras and smart key with a push-button start, cruise control paddle shift, 10-way power adjustable seat for the driver.

The new Elantra is sporty, stylish and also built on the fluidic sculpture. It is available in 1.8-litre petrol dual VTVT and 1.6-litre VGT diesel, in both automatic and manual transmission.

The motor bike manufacturers are looking backwards. Royal Enfield did not have much trouble because the Bullet has changed a lot over the years but still retains its nostalgic character. The latest is the 500-CC, single-cylinder Thunderbird.

Piaggio has introduced their most famous and iconic product, the Vespa. It needs no introduction because the Vespa has been on Indian streets for more than half a century. The new avatar in chrome and sparkling polish is eye- catching and breathtaking. Even though the looks are retro, the technology is contemporary.

Another old timer, Triumph, has introduced some state-of-the-art technology motor bike, the Bonneville and Tiger are from the past whereas the Speed Triple, Street Triple, Storm and Daytona are the new entries.

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