Auto Expo Day 2: New Hyundai Creta Launched, MG Brings Hector Plus
Catch the latest updates from Auto Expo 2020 here.
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The second day of the Auto Expo ended with some significant launches for the Indian market. While both top selling auto makers in India, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai launched their updated crossovers, the Creta and the Vitara Brezza, European companies also teased what they have in store for us Indians.
Italian brand Piaggio showcased an electric variant of their famous scooter, the Vespa, Mercedes Benz launched the V Class, along with a Marco Polo variant, while Volkswagen teased its first ever ‘zero emission’ electric car, the ID.Crozz, along with the display of the race edition of their hatchback Polo.
- Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors (GWM) also announced its setting foot in India with its Haval SUV
- Even Indian two wheeler manufacturer’s showed a growing shift towards electric powertrains with their showcases, like Hero electric, and Suzuki.
- Renault also launched its Triber in an automatic variant, while Tata also announced an automatic Harrier
- The Auto Expo will be open for general public from 7 to 12 February
MG Expands Portfolio With New Hector Plus
Morris Garages (MG), after the success of its first car in India, the Hector, has unveiled the Hector plus at this year's Auto Expo.
The MG Hector was the company's first car in India.
Hyundai Takes the Wraps Off the Next Creta
Korean automaker Hyundai finally took the wraps off of the next generation of its hit compact SUV, the Creta. The car gets some big design changes, and is based on the same platform as the KIA Seltos, on sale right now. The car was launched in presence of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who is the brand ambassador for the Korean company.
Aprillia's New SXR 160 Scooter Launched with BSVI Engines
Italian two-wheeler maker Piaggio on Thursday unveiled its premium scooter Aprilia SXR 160, which has been designed specifically for Indian conditions.
Aprilia SXR 160 would be launched in the third quarter of 2020 and booking would commence in August and will come in two engine variants - one 135 cc and another with a 160 cc motor, both BS VI compliant.
Piaggio, which is also working on India-specific futuristic electric mobility solutions, has also showcased the European version of Vespa Elettrica at the Auto Expo
Maruti Suzuki Brezza Facelift With BSVI Compliant Engine Launched
The new Maruti Suzuki Brezza will come with a 1.5 litre K series BSVI compliant engine, which will make 105 PS of power.
Apart from the engine, the car has been launched with minor design tweaks as well.
VolksWagen Unveiles ID.COZZ, Its First Zero Emission Electric Car
Volkswagen, on Thursday, 6 February, launched its first ever zero emission electric car, called the ID.Crozz.
The car, with a rather unusual nomenclature, is claimed to offer a range of 500 km on a single charge.
Mercedes Benz Launches Its Luxury Minivan, the V-Class Marco Polo
German maker Mercedes Benz, on the second media day of the 2020 Auto Expo, launched its new luxury minivan-camper, the V Class, starting at a hefty Rs 1.38 crore price tag. The V Class will also come with a Marco Polo variant, starting at Rs 1.46 lakh.
While unveiling the V Class, Mercedes Benz India MD and CEO Martin Schwenk said that this car will change the world of luxury travel with the next unveil, MD & CEO of Mercedes India said.
Piaggio Showcases an Electric Vespa
Italian manufacturer Piaggio, on the second day of the Auto Expo, showed an electric variant of its most famous scooter, the Vespa.
The Vespa Elettrica, as the company claims, will have a range of 100 kms on a single charge.
China's Great Wall Motors Commits USD 1 Bn Investment in India
China's largest SUV manufacturer Great Wall Motors (GWM) on Wednesday said it will invest USD 1 billion in the Indian market in a phased manner, PTI reported.
The USD 1 billion (about Rs 7,100 crore) investment will be made in areas like research and development, manufacturing, sales and marketing, GWM Marketing and Sales Director (India) Harpreet Singh Brar said at the Auto Expo here.
The company also intends to use manufacturing capabilities in India to export to other countries, he added. GWM has a research facility in Bengaluru.
Recently, it also inked an agreement to acquire General Motor India's Talegaon facility.
Mahindra Showcases eKUV 100, Priced at Rs 8.25 L
Mahindra showcased the eKUV 100, the electric variant of its compact SUV, priced at Rs 8.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
The car features a 40kW electric motor which can produce 53 bhp and 120 Nm torque. It has a 15.9 kWh lithium-ion battery which can take the car 120 km in one charge.
Tata Unveils HBX SUV, New Sierra Concept
Tata Motors on Wednesday announced global unveils, a pre-production preview and a commercial launch at the Auto Expo 2020.
It launched the Harrier automatic which will be priced at 16.25 lakh and showcased the pre-production version of its Gravitas SUV that is scheduled to be launched in the first half of FY 2021.
The company will allow test drive of its Nexon EV, besides showcasing the new Winger and Prima. Tata also unveiled the HBx Show car based on ALFA ARC architecture, the Sierra EV concept as well as the Hexa Safari edition.
Read the full story here.
Hyundai Unveils New Tucson; Eyes Greater Share in Premium SUV Segment
Hyundai Motor India on Wednesday launched a new version of its premium SUV Tucson as it looks to bolster its presence in the segment.
While unveiling the model at the Auto Expo, Hyundai Motor India Managing Director and CEO SS Kim said the new Tucson comes with enhanced technology, design and performance, PTI reported.
"Hyundai constantly strives to upgrade its products and services with best-in-class technology that meet the evolving needs of today's customers and their rising aspirations," he added.
The premium SUV further strengthens the company's dominance in SUV segment in the country, Kim said.
Read the full story here.
Kia Launches Carnival at Rs 24.95 Lakh, Unveils Sonet
South Korean auto maker Kia Motors on Wednesday launched its premium multi purpose vehicle Carnival, and showcased a new concept for a global SUV Sonet at the Auto Expo.
Carnival is being launched in India in three different specifications:
- Rs 24.95 lakh for its Premium variant (ex-showroom)
- Rs 28.95 lakh for its Prestige variant (ex-showroom)
- Rs 33.95 lakh for its Limousine variant (ex-showroom)
Kia Sonet concept will be developed further ahead of a launch in the Indian market in the second half of 2020.
Read the full story here.
Aim to Sell 1 Million Green Cars Over Next Decade: Maruti
The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Wednesday said it aims to manufacture and sell another million "green vehicles" in the next couple of years as it accelerates its eco-friendly mobility drive.
Kicking off the Auto Expo, MSI Managing Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa said the company has already sold a million green cars, comprising CNG and smart hybrids in the last decade, PTI reported.
Showcasing its concept Futuro-e, an electric SUV, he said the car is being shown for the first time globally here, reflecting the importance of Indian customers in Suzuki's business.
More on the Futuro-e here.
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