Auto Expo 2023: Lights, Camera, Drive!
Shubhodeep Chakravarty
Auto Expo is all set to once again enthrall both automotive enthusiasts as well as casual aficionado, and returns to the sprawling India Expo Mart premises in Greater Noida. The Indian Auto Expo is a biennial event but what also makes this year’s edition extra special is that it is taking place for the first time since Covid pandemic gripped the world. Little wonder then that the buzz is vibrant and possibly louder than ever before.
Much has happened in the Indian and global automotive industry since the last time the Indian Auto Expo took place, back in February of 2020. Electric vehicles, for instance, have taken a center stage and battery power is propelling mobility options of nearly all shapes and sizes. There have also been a slew of launches in the two, three and four-wheeler space over the course of the past three years. While the pandemic years may have been challenging, demand in the Indian automotive sector is back and back with a bang. As such, Auto Expo 2023 is expected to offer a solid platform to showcase all that the year ahead will offer.
Auto Expo 2023 will be held from January 13 to January 18 and promises to put forth several high-profile models - existing, new and concepts. The constantly evolving world of mobility means one can also expect to get a first-hand look at the technological advances that have already been made and those that are being worked upon.
At the core of modern-day mobility is the need to get from one place to another. But modern-day mobility is this and so much more in current times of technological synergization. Whether it is connected cars’ technology or assistive drive systems or zero-emission breakthroughs - it is a watershed moment for the global industry and India is at the cusp of a major change.
Driving the world forward
India is the world’s fifth largest car market and one of the biggest two-wheeler markets. A growing number of young Indians are driving the boom in a country where vehicle penetration still remains rather low vis-a-vis western countries. This also means there is enormous potential and a big room for the taking across segments. And this is where Auto Expo 2023 is likely to play a big role in opening a big window into the world of what exists and what will come in the times to come.
For India to drive its way forward, it has to drive the world forward. Many industry experts across the world agree that the Indian automobile market will surpass Japan and eventually be bigger than even the European Union. The government too has been moving towards achieving these objectives and has often been credited for providing a fertile playing ground for existing and new players.
Make in India, Make for the World
India’s ambitions of being a major manufacturing hub has a keen eye on the automobile sector. Many manufacturers have already established their respective plants here as a hub for exports.Skilled labour, conducive business environment and a bustling local market have helped this cause significantly.
Auto Expo 2023 once again seeks to put the Indian automotive industry firmly on the map as a major event in the global motoring calender. Organized by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), with support from Automotive Components Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Auto Expo is as much about a pedestal for established champions to showcase their might as it is a platform for start-ups to brandish their capabilities.
Get set, race!
This year’s auto expo is likely to be dominated as much by the big car and two-wheeler brands as by EV companies looking to woo and wow you. Maruti Suzuki has already confirmed it will showcase a number of models including Jimny 5-door, a Baleno-based new vehicle as well as an EV concept. Hyundai is likely to showcase the next-generation Verna as well as the updated Creta while speculation is rife of a compact micro SUV on display too. Kia will be present here with the EV6 as well as with the concept EV9 SUV. Tata Motors is likely to showcase all its current passenger vehicle models with the spotlight firmly on its recently launched Tiago EV. MG Motor will unveil its two-door micro EV and reports suggest the MG4 EV could also be put on display. Others like Toyota and BYD will compete for attention with their exciting new models in the Indian car market. As far as two-wheeler companies are concerned, expect the start-ups to make the loudest noise. A special mention is reserved for the commercial vehicle segment with Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland and Volvo Eicher - among others - present here.