The hottest things on wheels

Automakers unveiled concept cars and new models at the 10th edition of Auto Expo in New Delhi, targeting the fast-growing Indian market. India and China have remained a bright spot for global automakers as they battle sluggish sales in developed markets.

Shahrukh Khan gestures as he poses at a preview of the Hyundai i10 Electric car at the 10th Auto Expo in New Delhi.

Maruti unveils 'R3'
Maruti unveiled a small multi-purpose concept vehicle (MPV) 'rIII' as it looks to create a new segment.
Maruti Suzuki Chief Executive Officer Shinzo Nakanishi, second left, poses with officials at the unveiling of the Maruti Suzuki R3. (AP image)

Toyota showcases small car 'Etios' The world's largest carmaker, Toyota, on Tuesday unveiled concept small car, Etios, which has been specifically developed for the Indian market. The company, which is present in India through a joint venture with Kirloskar Group, is investing about Rs 3,200 crore to set up its second manufacturing facility in Bangalore to roll out the car by early 2011. (AP image)

The company would launch both hatchback and sedan under the Etios series with 1.2 litres and 1.5 litres petrol engines respectively.
Toyota also launched the CNG version of its luxury sedan 'Corolla Altis'.

Tata Motors showcases 'Aria' Tata Motors on Tuesday previewed 'Aria', a cross-over between a multi-utility and sports utility vehicle, at the Auto Expo here and billed it as a four-wheeler built for Indians by Indian engineers. The company, however, did not say when it plans to commercially launch Aria.
Tata Motors' current line up of SUVs and MUVs include Safari and Sumo Grande.
“Apart from Aria, there will be products from Jaguar, series of buses and a new world truck, new alternate fuel vehicles and electric vehicles," Tata group Chairman Ratan Tata said at the Auto Expo.

Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata, second left, Managing Director Ravi Kant, third left, and other officials pose at the launch of the Jaguar XJ at the 10th Auto Expo. (AP image)

M&M launches Maxximo
Mahindra and Mahindra launched a 850 kg carrier mini truck Maxximo. The company, however, said the price of the new truck will be announced by the month end.
This new product will be rolled out from its Chakan plant in Maharashtra.

A Harley-Davidson model on display at the 2010 Auto Expo. Iconic US motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson on Tuesday said it will bring 12 motorcycles in the Indian market priced between Rs 6.95 lakh and Rs 34.95 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi).

Skoda Auto Member of the Board Reinhard Fleger, left, and Skoda Auto India Member of the Board Thomas Kuehl unveil the newly launched SUV Yeti at the 10th Auto Expo. (AP image)

Mercedes-Benz India Chief Executive Officer Wilfried Aulbur poses with a AMG Desert Gold concept car at the 10th Auto Expo. (AP image)

Volkswagen introduces Polo
German auto major Volkswagen on Tuesday introduced its small car Polo.
The Polo would be available in both petrol and diesel variants. The exact pricing would be announced once the car reaches dealers in March. (AP image)

The company intends to roll out a sedan on the Polo platform in the second half of 2010. However, before that racing version of the Polo would be rolled out in June.

An Audi Front 225 Roadster is displayed at the 10th Auto Expo. (Ap image)

Japanese auto giant Honda said its small car, to be launched in the country by 2011, would be priced below Rs 5 lakh.
As part of this, the company showcased the concept of its sporty hybrid car 'CR-Z' at the Expo.