Auto Expo 2018 Live updates: Maruti launches New Swift; world's first geared electric cruiser Renegade Thor unveiled

The Indian automobile industry on Wednesday showcased its vision for an all-encompassing electric-powered transport solutions at the pre-open day of the Auto Expo 2018. Maruti Suzuki has also launched its New Swift today. The 14th edition of the 'Auto Expo -- The Motor Show' 2018 opens for the public from tomorrow.

Besides, the rush of unveilings and new product introductions, the event also saw the entry of brands -- Kia Motors, Kawasaki and BMW Motorrad - in the Indian market.

Here are the key highlights from the Auto Expo 2018:

* UM Motorcycles unveils world's first geared electric cruiser Renegade Thor

Among the unique unveiling today, @UMMotorcycles launched the worlds first geared electric cruiser Renegade Thor! I... https://t.co/I2iy27swpT

— Auto Expo - 2018 (@AEMotorShow) 1518073906000

* Auto Expo 2018: Maruti Suzuki launches all-new Swift; prices start from Rs 5 lakh

The wait is over for Swift lovers as Maruti Suzuki has launched its third generation all-new Swift Hatchback at the Auto Expo 2018 today. The prices of the new Swift starts from Rs 5 lakh.

* 22Motors unveils India's first AI enabled scooter

* Lohia Auto launches 'Comfort E-auto'

* Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu speaking at Component Show inauguration

* Emflux One Electric Superbike unveiled

* Cleveland CycleWerks India launches two new bikes - Ace and Misfit


* Carmakers accelerating pacts to launch affordable electric vehicles in India

Indian auto companies are stitching together multiple partnerships to introduce affordable electric vehicles (EV) in the country over the next few years. As many as a dozen carmakers have decided to join hands and explore ways of targeting the EV space in the run-up to India's stated goal to switch largely to non-fossil fuels by 2030.

* Sedans, not SUVs, are Toyota and Honda's bet this year

Sports utility and electric vehicles may be hogging the limelight in the Indian passenger vehicle market currently, but two of Japan's top three car makers, Toyota and Honda, have placed their fresh bets on the sedan segment.

* This data explains Indians' love for SUVs

Indian car buyers are increasingly craving for sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and carmakers are obliging by lining up tens of launches across price segments. One in every four passenger vehicles sold in the country in 2017 was a utility vehicle, and the ratio is reversed in the Rs 12 lakh to Rs 40 lakh bracket where three out of every four cars sold last year were SUVs.