Auto Expo 2018: High on hope, low on glamour

Kia Motors India Ltd attracted the maximum attention on the first day of the biennial Delhi Auto Expo, although its first product will be introduced in India in September 2019. That said, the absence of many iconic brands was noticeable.

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Brands that skipped the show include motorcycle maker Royal Enfield, last year’s show stopper Jeep, Volkswagen Group’s Audi and Skoda, Harley-Davidson, Triumph Motorcycles, Jaguar Land Rover and models from motorcycle maker Bajaj Auto Ltd.

Vehicle makers, some of them struggling to sustain profitability, have skipped South Asia’s biggest auto show because the substantial investment involved in participating in the expo does not offer any tangible return in the near future.

While it remains to be seen whether the absence of these firms will lead to an adverse impact on footfalls, visitors to the show this year can expect companies to showcase lots of products in the green vehicles space.

Environment-friendly or green technology is the theme of this year’s show and the country’s top firms including Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, and Tata Motors Ltd have showcased their prowess in the field.