Delhi Auto Expo 2014 (Part 1): Indian and Japanese OEM highlights

Maruti Suzuki and Tata unveil models targeting Indian and global markets

2014/03/12

Table of contents

Summary
Maruti Suzuki: All-new compact Celerio and C-segment sedan concept Ciaz
Tata Motors: Two all-new compact models
Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles: Two electric vehicles
Bajaj Auto: Two ultra-micro vehicles
Nissan: Three Datsun brand models
Toyota: Etios Cross SUV version for Indian market
Honda: Creative study model Vision XS-1 crossover
Isuzu: D-MAX Space Cab & SUV MU-7
Terra Motors: T4 electric tricycle

Summary

India Expo Mart, the new venue of the motor show

The 12th AUTO EXPO 2014 was held from 7th to 11th of February, 2014. The venue for this year was India Expo Mart which is located in a new industrial development area which is 40km southwest of central part of New Delhi. Previously, the Auto Show was held at Pragati Maidan located in downtown New Delhi, the same venue as the automotive parts exhibition.

India Expo Mart has four halls on the ground floor and another four on the third floor in the office building called Mart Area. There were six makeshift halls in the premises during the Auto Expo period. All halls were equally crowded on open days. Entry to the BMW and Mercedes booths was restricted to a single gate but the booths were so crowded that visitors could hardly examine the vehicles on display or closely watch presentations. Facing the central plaza area of the venue were giant booths representing Maruti Suzuki at Hall 7 and Tata Motors at Hall 14. These two companies each occupied an entire hall and impressed all visitors with their unmistakable presence.

The main exhibits at the motor show this year were compact cars and SUVs (Indian government announced on February 28, 2014 excise tax relief plan for SUVs effective April 2014). The exhibits were intended for the Indian market as well as global market. Maruti Suzuki showcased the new compact 5-door hatchback Celerio. The all-new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) auto gearshift also drew visitors' attention. The company also exhibited the global concept cars: SX4 S-Cross and Ciaz. Tata Motors introduced the new compact 4-door sedan Zest, and the 5-door hatchback Bolt. The company also unveiled the Nexon, a design concept for compact SUVs and suggested the theme of its passenger car development. Exhibits by European and the U.S. automakers and by automotive parts suppliers will be covered in a separate report.

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