After an additional year, this biennial Auto Expo kicked off on Wednesday at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida in the National Capital Region. While new models launched by Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, Kia, and MG Motors, among others, have generated enough excitement however, the absence of a few of the most renowned automakers like Mahindra, Skoda, Volkswagen, Honda, and BMW was very much felt.
This year’s edition of the world’s most prestigious auto show will be headed toward sustainability, with most of the event’s two days being powered by electric vehicles.
Here’s a peek into the new launches for Day 1.
Maruti Suzuki: eVXSUVconcept
Maruti Suzuki’s standout at the Auto Expo 2023 showcased the EVXSUV concept. It’s an electric SUV that was the first to be developed by Maruti Suzuki, set to launch in 2025. The car will set the direction for Maruti’s electric plans in India.
Maruti said the new eVX SUV concept would have a 60kWh lithium-ion battery and travel about 550km on one charge. In terms of dimensions, Maruti has stated this new SUV will measure 4,300mm in length as well as 1,800mm wide and 1,600mm tall.
Kia India presented an image of the future in which mobility will be more sustainable, modern, and fully connected. The company unveiled its electric SUV Concept Kia Concept EV9 Kia Concept EV9 at the 16th edition of Auto Expo, highlighting its ambition to become a sustainable mobility solutions provider.
The brand also unveiled its Kia KA4, a luxury RV with a sophisticated design, top-of-the-line safety, technological advancements, and modern drive dynamics. The company also announced a planned investment of INR 2,00 crore in India to conduct research and development related to EV manufacturing and infrastructure development.
Tae-Jin Park Tae-Jin Park, executive director and managing director of Kia India, stated, “Kia has been a dynamic brand, one that has never shied away from challenging the established norms of the automotive industry. Today, the world seeks a similar attitude to counter the environmental concerns we are facing. I am glad that we are able to showcase our distinctive sustainable mobility solutions that address the ever-evolving new-age consumer’s needs, along with our vision to contribute to a greener and cleaner future thereby defining our vision of an inspiring tomorrow.”
HMIL: IONIQ 5
Hyundai Motor India introduced the much-anticipated Hyundai INIIQ 5 during the trade show. Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the first EV-specific model specifically designed for those who wish to lead a brighter and more sustainable future.
In announcing the launch of Hyundai IONIQ 5, Unsoo Kim, MD and CEO of Hyundai Motor India, stated, “As we evolve towards a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow, Hyundai is proud to introduce the IONIQ brand to India with the launch of Hyundai IONIQ 5, symbolizing our commitment to ‘Progress for Humanity. Reflecting our vision, with the Hyundai IONIQ5, we are aspiring to give customers quality time and make their mobility journey as rewarding and worthwhile as possible. Hyundai IONIQ 5 represents our shift towards future mobility with tenets that encapsulate intelligent technology, innovation, and sustainability. Driving the pump to plug revolution, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 will pave the way for faster adoption of electric mobility and build customer confidence towards truly liberating electric mobility solutions.”
Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been introduced in India and built based on E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform). That will open an opening for the new age of electric mobility and is based on the principles of modularity, efficiency, reliability, and usability. All of these are precisely embodied in the IONIQ 5 Hyundai.
The company also showcased two highly technologically advanced, high-safety, and zero-emission electric vehicles (EVs) that support its positioning as an Auto-tech brand at the event. The two vehicles are MG4, a pure electric hatchback electric vehicle, and the MG EHS, a plug-in hybrid SUV. Both of these vehicles highlight the firm commitment of MG to advancing EV adoption across the nation.
Like the other models included in the lineup at the MG pavilion, the two cars are futuristic and an amalgamation of technology and innovation in terms of technology and their environmental footprint. They reflect MG’s theme for this year’s Auto Expo, ‘Drive. Ahead and the focus of the show is on electric vehicles.
Both cars come with modern safety features as well as enhanced driving convenience.
The MG4 E-V hatchback, which has spacious interiors, provides drivers with comfort and convenience thanks to the five charging options, including the 12V portable charger that supports which can be used for both AC or DC chargers and more. MG4 EV hatchbacks are sold throughout more than 20 European markets, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Norway, and Sweden.
The MG EHS Plug-in Hybrid brings the best performance and efficiency with large interiors and a sporty exterior. The MG EHS Plug-in Hybrid indeed provides the most efficiency from both sides. The drive system includes electricity, a battery pack, and a powerful petrol engine seamlessly integrated to maximize effectiveness, power, and performance. The hybrid has a total power output of 258ps, which allows it to reach speeds of 100 km/h in only 6.9 seconds.
Tata Motors
Today, Tata Motors, India’s largest auto and mobility solutions firm, has launched 14 unique concepts and vehicles that represent India’s cleanest, most efficient, and most sophisticated assortment of logistics and mobile solutions for mass use.
The idea behind long-haul transport, including four propulsion technologies that are clean and green into the Prima range include Hydrogen ICE, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, Battery EV, and LNG.
To inaugurate the Tata Motors pavilion and unveil the extensive array of cars as well as concepts and solutions, Ms. N Chandrasekaran, executive chairman of Tata Sons and chairman of Tata Motors, said, “We are leading sustainability, energy transition and digitalization led transformation in each of our businesses. With emphasis on zero emission powertrains, cutting-edge technologies, advanced design engineering and best-in-class services, Tata Motors is accelerating the adoption of sustainable mobility and ‘net zero’ carbon emission goals. At the Auto Expo 2023, we are proud to present our vision of the future and its manifestation through our new age vehicles, concepts and smart mobility solutions.”
