Auto Expo 2018 – Carmakers winning the green road; showcase an array of an e-mobility way out.
Autokartz brings you the Electric Highlights of the show.
Future of mobility
Auto Expo-The Motor Show 2018 kicked-off at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida displaying a positive outlook. This year’s edition has spawned a lot of anticipation and exhilaration as it squeezes the ambitious goal of making a transition to future of mobility. More than 22 optimistic manufacturers showcased a strong product collection for the coming year, which will not only set the tone for FY18-19, but will also provide motivation for a promising and inspiring year ahead. The highlights were electric vehicles, hybrids and vehicles that run on fuel cell technology and depicted the future of mobility. The passenger car segment, saw major launches in the first day.
E-vehicles, hybrids and eco- friendly technology took center stage here at the opening day of the biennial Auto Expo, with Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra and new entrant Kia Motors along with luxury vehicle makers Mercedes-Benz and BMW displaying their future products.
Keeping in mind the government’s vision of 100 per cent electric vehicles (EVs) for public mobility and 40 per cent for personal mobility by 2030, the companies committed to put investments in the new techno technology while also seeking support and clarity on policies.
The expo witnessed 65 unveilings and 14 launches, including Hyundai’s new Elite i20, Mercedes Maybach S650 priced at Rs 2.73 crore and unveiling of Toyota’s mid-sized sedan Yaris and Honda’s all-new Amaze, SUV CR-V and premium sedan Civic which will make a comeback to the Indian market.
“The Auto Expo this year is a defining moment in the development of Indian automotive industry… It is a curtain raiser for electric vehicles…,” Mahindra & Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka told reporters here.
Echoing similar sentiments, Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran said Tata Motors is committed to the future of mobility, specially the government’s vision in the electric vehicles space.
#1 Maruti Suzuki Concept FutureS:
Maruti Suzuki India went in full swing with the global premier of its Concept FutureS and also displayed e-Survivor Concept – EV design concept and working model of next generation Suzuki Hybrid Systems (HEV).
Maruti Suzuki India, which unveiled its electric concept compact SUV ‘e-SURVIVOR’, said products alone will not be enough to realise India’s grand vision of bringing down emissions substantially, reduce dependence on imported fuel, and secure a leadership position on clean technology capability.
#2 Honda Amaze, Honda CR-V & Honda Civic
Honda Cars revealed their second generation Honda Amaze, which is scheduled to be launched in India in the year2018-19. The company also unveiled the all-new fifth generation Honda CR-V and the much anticipated 10th generation Honda Civic, both in petrol and diesel alternatives.
South Korean auto maker Hyundai, which operates here through its wholly-owned arm Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), also unveiled its global electric vehicle Ioniq.
Another South Korean auto maker Kia Motors Corporation, which will start selling its vehicles in India from next year, said it planned to introduce a range of vehicles, including an India exclusive compact electric vehicle in the country between 2019 to 2021.
#3 Honda Sports EV Concept
Also on exhibition at the Auto Expo 2018 were the much-awaited Honda Sports EV Concept, Honda NeuV, Clarity Fuel Cell (Honda’s most advanced zero-emission vehicle).
#4 Kia SP Concept
Kia, which has broadcasted its foray in India, uncovered the striking new SP Concept, which made its public premier at Auto Expo 2018, alongside 16 global models.
#5 Renault Trezor
Renault, showcased Trezor, an all-electric grand tourer concept car.
French auto major Renault showcased its electric concept cars TREZOR and ZOE e-Sport and said it is awaiting a clear policy and road map on infrastructure for electric vehicles to take a long-term strategic decision
On the luxury front, German carmaker Mercedes-Benz displayed its Concept EQ, with the appearance of a sporty SUV, giving a preview of a new generation of vehicles with battery electric drives. It will have a powerful electric drive of 300kW total output with a range of up to 500 km along with driver assistance systems for maximum safety, the company said
Similarly, compatriot BMW India also showcased its showcased plug in hybrid electric vehicle i8 Roadster, which will be launched in India later this year along with i3S, an electric vehicle with a range of over 280 km per charge.
#6 Renault Zoe e-sport concept
Renault also showcased Zoe e-sport concept, the formula one racing car, RS 17 and the complete Indian range led by the newly-launched Captur and Kwid.
#7 Hyundai Elite i20
Hyundai Motor India tossed the new 2018 Elite i20 and unveiled its Global EV, Ioniq. The company also showcased technological advancement in electric and hybrid technology with global technological marvel Ioniq.
#8 Tata Motors H5X
Tata Motors, in the passenger vehicle segment, made global debut of with H5X Concept and the 45X Concept.
#9 Mercedes Concept EQ
Mercedes-Benz kick-started its product offensive with the launch of Mercedes-Maybach S650 and showcased the unique E-Class All-Terrain and the futuristic Concept of EQ.
#10 Toyota Yaris
Toyota Kirloskar Motor unveiled Yaris, to mark its entry in the highly competitive B-segment in India.
#11 M&M UDO Concept
Mahindra and Mahindra displayed its widest-ever electric vehicle portfolio, showcasing the UDO Concept, Treo, e-Cosmo and first-of-its-kind 380 Volt powertrain.
How self-driving cars will change the way we travel:
The times ahead
Designed by Local Motors, Olli is an autonomous electric minibus that have been roaming the streets of Washington DC for some time. The bus is powered by IBM’s Watson capabilities that allow the users to tell it where they are heading and ask it question about how how it is driven.
