Auto Expo 2018

Held at two separate venues in 2018, the Auto Expo is India’s largest auto gathering. The Auto Expo 2018–Vehicles is scheduled to be held at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida from 9th to 14th February, while Auto Expo 2018–Components was held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 8th to 11th February. Accredited by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), this expo is jointly organised by the Confederation of India Industry (CII), Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), and Society for Indian Mobile Automobile Manufacturers Association (SIAM).

At this biennial event, you can expect to see approximately 24 new launches as well as the unveiling of more than 100 vehicles. Here’s what you can look forward to at Auto Expo 2018.

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New Launches

Auto Expo 2018 showcased the new Maruti Suzuki Swift, Flow e-scooter, Emflux One Electric Superbike, and UM Motorcycles’ Renegade Thor bike.

The new Swift has a fresh design complete with diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED headlamps, dual airbags, automatic climate control, modernised interiors, as well as a dashboard that comes equipped with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While the engine remains the same, this model will be available with two transmission options, i.e. auto and manual.

The first electric superbike in India, the Emflux One has a 9.7 KWh Li-Ion battery and features like LED tail lamp, LED head lamp, and single-sided swing arm. With the Emflux’s WARP charger, 80 percent of this bike’s battery can be charged in barely 36 minutes.

UM Motorcycles’ launched three new bikes at this expo, namely the Renegade Duty S, the Renegade Duty Ace, and Renegade Thor. The first two are urban cruises with a 230cc engine, while the last one is the first geared electric cruiser. With Renegade Thor, you can enjoy fast charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a top speed of 180km. The first 50 customers of Renegade Thor are going to be awarded a ride in Tuscany, Italy by UM.

New Prototypes

Auto Expo 2018 also unveiled the new prototypes of vehicles by automobile giants like Tata, BMW, Mahindra, Renault, Mercedes Benz, and more.

Powered by an electric motor, the Tata Racemo EV has a compact structure and butterfly doors.

Offering a sports car performance and the efficacy of an electric automobile, BMW’s i8 Roadster is a two-seat open-top plug-in hybrid. The upward opening doors along with its sleek design are responsible for the futuristic look of this automobile. This vehicle will be launched in India later in 2018.

Mahindra launched India’s first convertible SUV prototype, Mahindra Stinger. A muscular front bumper, C-shaped reflectors, and wraparound headlamps is responsible for the bold, rugged, and stylish look of this SUV.

Renault’s Trezor looks like the car of the future with sleek design, very low seats, and power derived from two different battery packs. Designed by Laurens Van Den Acker, access to this two-seater is not through the conventional doors but through the canopy-like roof that lifts up.

Have you ever wanted to explore the wild in a Mercedes? With the launch of Mercedes Benz E-class All-Terrain, the brand is ready to make this wish come true. A more rugged version of E-class estate, this automobile features improved ground clearance and a 4MATIC all-wheel drive. It is perhaps the most versatile of the other E-class automobiles because it can be driven on any kind of terrain.

Electric Vehicles

This year seems to be the year of electric vehicles, be it four wheelers or two wheelers. Here are some of the electric automobiles and bikes to watch out for at the Auto Expo 2018.

Paying homage to its four wheelers legacy, Maruti Suzuki launched the e-Survivor, Maruti’s first EV, at this event. This vehicle is suitable for driving on rough terrain because of its lightweight body, high ground clearance, and durability. With a touchscreen dashboard and transparent doors, this car comprises of electric motors inbuilt in each of the four wheels.

Uniti, the Swedish electric car makers, have partnered with the Indian Bird Group to launch a 5-seater electric car in India. Along with a virtual demonstration of this car concept, Uniti also displayed their 2-seat electric car at this event. The 5-seater EV is set to hit the Indian markets by 2020.

TVS Motor Company displayed its TVS Creon. This scooter promises to accelerate from 0 to 60kmph in only 5.1 seconds. Powered by three Li-ion batteries, this two-wheeler sports a compact design. Approximately 80 percent of Creon’s battery can be charged in one hour.

Yamaha Motoroid is designed to interact with its user, therefore it is supported by an AI. The rider can simply use hand gestures to stop the vehicle or move it because of the inbuilt haptic technology and facial recognition.

Comfort E-Auto launched by Lohia Auto has a lithium ion battery and offers a mileage of 80km. This three-wheeler has facilities like GPS and central locking and is priced at Rs. 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom price).

Greaves Cotton India Limited has launched their very own EV at Auto Expo 2018. The main aim behind launching their electric vehicle was to enhance the fuel efficiency, thereby reducing the emissions. The three-wheeler segment is powered by twin-piston technology, which was developed in collaboration with the US based Pinnacle Engines. This EV is entirely ‘Made in India’.

Auto Expo 2018 is also set to launch the first expandable motor home in India – PS Vehicles’ ‘Finetza’. This motor home has been designed in a way that screams luxury and elegance. The vehicles and technology being showcased in the Auto Expo makes it easy to believe that the future of the Indian automobile industry is technologically ahead and environment friendly.