It is expected that the Auto Expo 2012 will bring in a lot of exciting new cars and various big car brands. There are around 60 brand new and revamped models that will be exhibited at the Auto Expo. Most of the car makers will be diversifying their product range in order to increase variety. Manufacturers want to ‘break the mould’ and enter newer segments of the market. Big brands from Maruti to Mercedes are trying to take different kind of projects in their hands.
Maruti Suzuki, which dominates the small car segment, has come up with two new vehicles; one is a concept sports utility vehicle (SUV) and the other is a multi utility vehicle (MUV), Ertiga. Both the upcoming models distance themselves from the small car segment completely.
According to Mayank Pareek, Managing Executive Officer, marketing and sales, Maruti Suzuki, the two new models will help Maruti to expand its product base and enter into a new segment. He also added, “Right now the Ertiga segment is virtually non-existent in India. So, we want to create this niche and ride the first mover advantage. That's the job of the market leader - identify niches and cater to them ahead of the pack.”
Volkswagen, the giant international car brand, will display its most popular model, Beetle that is a luxury hatchback. It will carry a price tag of Rs. 20 lacs and would irrefutably surface as an audience puller. Volkswagen will not be exhibiting its Up model as it has already showcased the compact car at the Frankfurt Motor Show; however, the car will be launched in India later.
Neeraj Garg, Member Board and Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales, India, said that their brand is still in the budding phase in India. Thus, it is necessary to spread awareness about the car. Hence, by displaying Beetle at the Auto Expo 2012, Volkswagen will meet the set goal.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the luxury brands, will also be launching different models. Both these brands are concentrating on foraying into new segments. Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the B-Class premium hatchback and its range will also consist of AMG performance cars, SLS AMG Roadster, DTM and the SLS GT3. BMW will showcase its Mini Cooper which is a luxury hatchback.
Mahindra and Mahindra’s Ssangyong range comprising Korando E and Rexton will also be present at the Auto Expo. The President, Auto and Farm Equipment Division, Pawan Goenka, Mahindra and Mahindra, said that the display is only to share its vision with the buyers as all these models will not be entering the Indian car market right away.
Ford, another popular brand, is most likely to display a sports utility vehicle, but the officials have not provided any information regarding the same. The makers have only mentioned that they will display new models, intended for India and global markets, which will be launched in future.
Thus, car makers are prepared to take maximum advantage of the coveted platform, which waits round the corner, and raise their position to the best possible extent.
