Global automakers make beeline for India show

Jan 3, 2012, 11:42 GMT

New Delhi - More than 1,500 carmakers from 24 countries are to participate in India's bi-annual auto show, due to open this week with a focus on fuel-efficient technologies, organizers said Tuesday.

The week-long Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi, to kick off Thursday, is to see the launches of 10 new models of cars, two-wheelers and trucks as manufacturers vie for a share of the Indian market, where over 15 million vehicles are sold each year.

Companies from Germany, China, France, Japan, Italy and Britain have confirmed their participation, expo chairman Rajive Kaul said.

The country's main auto show expects to attract half a million visitors and boasts a display area of 115,000 square metres, he said.

Despite a slowing of economic growth to 7 per cent this year, the Indian auto market has grown at 13 per cent.

International attention was also focusing on the Indian market because developed markets were stagnant or declining, said S Sandilya, president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

'India is one of the few markets in the world which is growing and also has a vast growth potential in the years to come. Therefore, the world is looking at India to drive future global growth in the auto sector.'

'The show will position India as a champion of green mobility, with a focus on alternative fuels, electric and hybrid mobility, that is a national as well as a global imperative today,' Sandilya said.

The show is also to see US commercial vehicle manufacturer Paccar Inc and British company Triumph Motorcycles Ltd make their debuts in India.