Swaraj Baggonkar Moneycontrol News
No less than 24 electric and hybrid cars and bikes will set the tone at the biennial Auto Expo starting next month giving the country a glimpse of what is in store in the coming years.
Almost every manufacturer will be showcasing their products - from the humble two-wheeler to a large six-wheeled bus - that will be powered by either hybrid or electric powertrain.
Bikes, scooters, cars, sports cars, sports utility vehicle, buses and mini trucks, which are either concept or production-ready, are being lined up for the show that begins on February 7.
Maruti Suzuki will start the proceeding with the unveiling of the e-Surviror (a concept off-road hybrid) and a next generation hybrid vehicle. The company has already announced the launch of its first fully electric, India-made car in 2020.
Electric and hybrid cars will take centre stage at the Tata Motors stall, which will perhaps have one of the largest range of such vehicles on display at the event. The electric Tigor, Nano and buses will be some of the 26 smart mobility solutions the company has promised to showcase across passenger and commercial vehicles.
French car maker Renault will showcase three concepts including the Trezor, a two-seater, carbon body, electric coupe that has a top-speed of 250 km/hr. Besides there will also be Renault Zoe, a five-door mini car that will have a driving range of 400kms.
Home grown utility vehicle specialist Mahindra & Mahindra will perhaps match rival Tata Motors into showcasing the largest fleet of electric vehicles. These will be spread across two-wheelers, mini cars, sedans, three-wheelers and mini buses.
The company is currently the only manufacturer of electric cars in India which includes e2o and e-Verito. It recently launched a fully electric three-wheeler as well as India’s only battery-powered cargo van.
Japanese giant Toyota has adopted the theme of ‘driven by a better future’ under this the company will showcase products of ‘today, tomorrow and future’. Toyota is already the leader in hybrid vehicles globally with the best seller Prius sedan.
Raja, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “As we step into a new era of alternate and sustainable mobility, our theme will be to drive home the vision of a safer, greener and better future through an array of remarkable product concepts and innovations”.
Rivals Honda too has lined up showcase of hybrid electric cars to gauge consumer response. The company’s Global President and CEO Takahiro Hachigo will unveil the cars highlighting the theme of environment friendliness.
Korean car company Hyundai, which has also promised to launch a fully electric vehicle by 2020, will showcase two concepts – hybrid and electric – at the Expo. The hybrid will belong the Ioniq family of car, said sources.
Chennai-based TVS Motor will showcase an electric and one hybrid scooter. The company, which has a tie up with BMW, has been working on the next generation technologies since the last few years. One of these products is close to production and should hit the market in the coming months.
Both Mercedes and BMW will showcase at least one fully electric or hybrid car at the Expo.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
