The Auto Expo in Delhi has always been special because of the premieres and the new car launches there that have gone on to shape the future of this industry during the last two decades. The show is a household name now and attracts visitors and media from many countries to witness global unveils here, though its significance continues to be largely Indian.

The last 8 editions of the Auto Expo have been especially important due to the range of cars that witnessed spectacular launches or unveils at the Expo and which have gone on to be successful in the market – cars like the Tata Indica, Hyundai Santro and the Tata Nano to name a few.

This year’s edition of the Auto Expo, which will officially be thrown open next week, will be equally significant despite the current slowdown in the auto industry. With possibly the highest number of premieres ever to be recorded in its history, the Expo again promises to be the showcase for what to expect during the rest of the year.

The most awaited launches are, as usual, going to be in the small car segment and the new Maruti Celerio and the Datsun Go are likely to be candidates vying with each other for attention. For a brand that has just been revived officially barely a year ago, Datsun is going to be all over the place at the Expo, showcasing the new small car, and also their MPV called Datsun Go+ and the concept compact SUV all built on the same Go platform.

Joining the concepts bandwagon will also be Ford and Renault, both which will have global premiere of a new concept car meant for a vehicle that would eventually target many markets globally. In Ford’s case, the concept will showcase the design direction for the company’s future small cars meant for emerging markets like India.

Tata Motors is scheduled to showcase its new Falcon series of cars, and the more interesting Jump compact SUV concept with which it will be hoping to take on the Ford EcoSport. But, Tata’s launch plans at the Expo are expected to be sobered down as a mark of respect for its late Managing Director, Karl Slym.

Amongst luxury car manufacturers, BMW’s unveils will probably be the ones to look out for. The German brand will be showcasing the i8, a road-legal, all-electric sports car that is also said to be heading to India at a later date. Also there at the stall would be the new X5, and the new 3 Series Gran Turismo which is being launched at the event.

Mercedes-Benz will also be vying for eye-balls with its showcase of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team car, the CLA45 AMG and the GLA concept. The other German luxury car maker Audi will pull the wraps off the A3 sedan.

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