Auto Expo 2012 starts with a bang

The much awaited Auto Expo 2012 has begun in New Delhi. It will witness as many as 50 global brands showcasing their products.

The event will see the unveiling of 24 cars by domestic companies and eight by global players, besides eight two-wheelers by home-grown firms.

Maruti has announced a new compact SUV in the four-wheeler segment – XA Alpha.

This would be a direct competition to Ford's compact Ecosport that was launched at the same platform yesterday.

Suzuki Motorcycles launched two vehicles, 110 cc Hayate and 125 cc Swish in the two-wheeler segment.

Hayate has been launched in the mass motorcycle segment. It also unveiled the new scooter in the two-wheeler segment - the Swish 125 cc.
Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata along with his successor Cyrus Mistry at the launch of Safari Storm at Auto Expo 2012.

The new Safari Storm sports a 2.2-litre 16-valve common rail (DiCOR) engine that produces 140PS of power and 320Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) enables shifting from 2WD to 4WD.
Royal Enfield launched Thunderbird 500 at the Auto Expo in New Delhi. Mr Siddhartha Lal, MD & CEO, Eicher Motors seen on the bike.

Korean Auto maker Hyundai unveiled a new version of its premium car Sonata at the Auto Expo 2012.
Bajaj Auto will showcase its first ever small car-RE 60-at the Auto Expo 2012.

The company claims that the car will have a mileage of close to 40 km per litre and will have a 200 cc engine. The car will be launched later in 2012.
Ford Motors has unveiled a new compact SUV – Ecosport, mainly designed for emerging markets like India.

It will be powered by a 1 litre engine from the 3 cylinder Ecoboost range.

Bollywood actor John Abraham sits on a newly launched scooter as he poses with Yamaha representatives during the 2012 Auto Expo 2012.
SsangYong Motor Company launched XIV-1 concept car during the Auto Expo 2012.

It was first launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show and grabbed much attention for its innovative design and interface.
Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan poses next to the Supercar-DC Avanti Auto Expo 2012.

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor poses with the newly launched Nissan Evaila during the Auto Expo 2012
Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata along with Jaguar officials at the launch of new Land Rover Defender 100 concept car at the Auto Expo in New Delhi.
Car maker Chevrolet launched latest version of Captiva at the Auto Expo.

It is built to take on the likes of the Honda CR-V and provide some level of competition to the Ford Endeavour and Nissan X-Trail.
Car major Jaguar launched its CX16 concept car at the Auto Expo in New Delhi. The car is a two-seater and sports a 3.0 liter, 375 horsepower V6 engine.
Mercedes launched its Mercedes-Benz concept A during the Auto Expo in New Delhi.
A worker cleans a Volkswagen car at the Auto Expo 2012.
French car maker Renault has unveiled its mid size cross over vehicle Duster at the Auto Expo 2012. It will be available in both diesel and petrol variants.