The Hindu Business Line : Auto Expo to have more overseas participation

Around 200 overseas exhibitors from 20 nations (including country pavilions from China, Germany, Italy, Iran, the UK and Taiwan) will be taking part in the January 12-17 Auto Expo 2006. In contrast, there were only 120 overseas auto players at the last year's edition. Sources point out that altogether 1,000 exhibitors are taking part in the event this year.

First-time entrants: Though automakers are keeping under the wraps the models that would display, the participating companies include the first-time entrant Volkswagen. The products on display will give an indication of the company's planned launches in India. Russian commercial vehicles maker, RusPromAvto, will also announce its entry in the country with the launch of its new range of Ural trucks at the expo.

Another first-time entrant is the domestic company International Cars, part of the Sonalika Group, which will be announcing the launch of its utility vehicle. Maruti will also be taking part in the expo and is likely to put on display a new sedan intended for launch next year, apart from a few of Suzuki's concept cars.

Honda Siel may exhibit its Honda Civic, which is set for launch next year. Another Japanese automaker, Mitsubishi, plans to showcase its new sedan for India apart from other vehicles.

New bikes to roll out: Among the bike players are Bajaj Auto, which is planning to roll out seven-eight new models, and Suzuki Motorcycles India, which will unveil bikes for the Indian market.

Component makers are vying for exhibition space at the expo. In fact, several domestic and overseas component firms will be taking part for the first time, including ABA (Sweden), Beijing East Group (China), Centro Esetro Camere Group (Italy), CWCE Group (China), Dow Corning (US), Frenos Electricos (Spain), VMP Auto (Russia) and Zhejiang Henejiu Machinery Group (China). Major Indian component firms taking part include TVS Group (50 per cent increase in space), Kalyani Group (300 per cent increase in space), Goetze, Talbros Group, Essar Steel, Subros, Amtek, Clutch Auto, Anand Group, Jay Bharat Maruti, Shriram Pistons, Rane Group, Hi-Tech Gears, Sandhar Locks, Sona Group, Ucal Fuel, Minda Group, Motherson Sumi Group and Lumax.

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