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Auto makers bet big on expo

NEW DELHI: With more than 50 new car models scheduled for launch this year, the 9th Auto-Expo 2008, starting here on January 10, will be a must-visit event for every car enthusiast and for those planning to buy a new car. But the most-awaited event of the entire show will be the unveiling of the Rs. 1-lakh ‘people’s car’ by Tata Motors for which India and the entire world is looking forward to.

On display at the eight-day event will not only be the cars to be launched from domestic and foreign players but also the concept cars and new technologies. Apart from the leaders in the Indian car market like Maruti, Hyundai and Tata Motors, international auto majors like BMW, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Daimler, General Motors, Audi and Porsche will display their global products to lure buyers of the one of the world’s fastest growing car markets. Major bike makers, three-wheeler players, and auto parts manufacturers also are betting big on this event.

Maruti Suzuki India will showcase its new concept car A-Star, developed jointly with parent company Suzuki. It will be launched in 2009 as a premium hatchback. Another much-awaited car on display will be Splash, which is to be launched this year.

Maruti will also showcase its mid-sized concept sedan Kizashi, Suzuki APV (light commercial van) and SX4 cross-over, Suzuki’s entry car for the World Rally Championship 2008.

Hyundai Motor India will not only display ‘i20’ concept car to push sales of “i10” that recently made its world premier in India, but also showcase other concept cars including HND Veloster, Genesis and Qarmac.

Apart from the Rs. 1-lakh car, other vehicles for Tata Motors stable will be its concept car Elegante.

Tata Motors, which has joined hands with Fiat, is jointly participating with its Italian partner. So the Tata pavilion will feature soon-to-be launched Fiat models — Grande Punto, Linea and the new Palio.

Mahindra and Mahindra will showcase its new Scorpio range, new multi utility vehicle Ingenio and concept SUV.

Another major participant will be General Motors that will launch SUV Captiva and put on display Hummer H3, Cadillac CTS, Sequel Hydrogen concept vehicle and T2X concept compact SUV.

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