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Our Bureau

New Delhi, Jan. 9 The Auto Expo, Indian automotive industry’s showcase event, has grown to be an international event of repute. The 9th edition of the expo is bigger and better and will present a new range of vehicles such as electric vehicles and futuristic concepts.

In terms of sheer numbers, the Auto Expo has gained in its standing amongst similar shows worldwide. A total of 1.2 million visitors are expected to attend this year’s edition of the Auto Expo. The total covered area of the expo, where participating automobile and component companies will display their products, will be over 1.2 lakh square metres.

In comparison, the hugely popular Tokyo Motor Show 2007, which is also a biannual event like the Auto Expo and held in the Makuhari Messe, Tokyo, had a total of 1.4 million visitors and 246 exhibitors. The 2006 edition of the Paris International Motor Show had a similar attendance level. Similarly, at the Bologna Motor Show, which is an annual event of significance for the Italian and European vehicle manufacturers, there were a total of 1.1 million visitors for its 32nd edition held in December 2007 and the show itself was spread over 1.4 lakh square metres.

At this year’s Auto Expo, which is jointly organised by the Automotive Components Manufacturers Association (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), has the largest ever overseas participation with 11 country pavilions, participants from over 29 countries and around 2,000 participating companies. The show has about 60 per cent domestic participants and about 40 per cent from overseas.

All put together, the organisers of the 2008 Auto Expo say that in terms of size, the expo is now amongst the biggest in South Asia, with only Shanghai being a bit larger. The Auto Expo has also received accreditation from the OICA (Organisation Internatinale Des Constructeurs D’automobiles) of France, which is a good indicator of its growing strength internationally. There are demands from some exhibitors and local industry bodies for making the Auto Expo an annual event or to at least have local expos in other cities in the country during the alternate year. The organisers are currently considering its potential.

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