Excitement continued for the second day today at the Auto Expo in Greater Noida with the top automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Mahindra & Mahindra displaying concept cars which would be gradually launched over the next year in an effort to keep the growth momentum going.
Keen to tap the growth opportunity being offered in the sub-4 metre segment cars, which enjoy a lower excise duty and can be competitively priced, the carmakers came out with future models in the segment, hinting at a rise in the competition.
Country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki took the lead in the segment as it unveiled its concept compact car Ignis and concept Baleno RS, which will be launched around October this year.
Ignis is the mini SUV that will compete with Mahindra's recently launched KUV100 while Baleno RS is a sporty version of Baleno.
Hyundai also showcased the compact SUV concept HND-14. The company indicated that this will also be a sub-4 metre product and it would compete with the likes of Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Maruti Vitara Brezza.
Ford showcased Mustang, the new car to be launched this year, and the all-new Endeavour. Mustang will go on sale in India during the second quarter this year.
German car manufacturer Volkswagen also unveiled an upgraded version of its Polo, the GTI, which will be launched later in the year. The hatchback comes with a 1.8 TSI engine mated with a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
M&M unveiled a concept product XUV Aero, a coupe-styled vehicle. The vehicle is based on the XUV 500, a premium SUV launched by the company a few years ago. The company also unveiled a series of other products such as Ssangyong Tivoli, e2o Sports, eVerito and eMaxximo.
Honda recalls 2.2 million vehicles
Detroit: Honda is recalling an additional 2.2 million Honda and Acura vehicles because the driver's air bag inflators made by Takata can explode and hurl shrapnel into the passenger compartment. AP
Toyota launches all-new Prius
Toyota on Thursday unveiled its all-new version of hybrid car Prius as it looks to push more alternate fuel technology vehicles in the Indian market.
The new fourth generation Prius combines a premium styling and an enjoyable driving dynamics to showcase the advanced technology and the Prius DNA which Toyota intends to carry forward in future.
