Flash of the Titans

[Published in The Statesman's Vintage & Classic Car Rally Magazine, 2012]

Only 21 days to go for the 11^th Auto Expo, or for what I’d like to call, ‘Flash of the Titans’, a splendiferous display organised for the giants in automotive industry to showcase their marvels that render us in awe, and there’s excitement in the air. Already with the advent of the first F1 Indian Grand Prix held in October 2011, Delhiites are primed and ready for Auto Expo 2012, for stirring new designs and concepts to be unveiled.

India being the second largest manufacturer of two-wheelers and seventh largest car manufacturer, this event is like showers of blessings for not only Indian Car and Component makers but also for a few young blooded auto lovers (the boys, as I presume) like me who can dream of soaring in one of the displayed radical machines. Indeed, not a competition, the Auto Expo being a real display of some of the biggest automaker’s supercars, even a glimpse of which can make us feel enthralled. Ferrari, BMW, Lamborghini and many more, will be displaying their latest and unique concepts, literally snatching one’s breath away. Mitsubishi with its new Mirage hatchback, Skoda brings Rapid, Suzuki unveils Regina concept, Nissan, Ford, and Honda, not backing out, bringing new and hybrid cars, some specifically designed for India, not to mention Harley Davidson, Ducati and Yamaha with their incredibly powerful engines roaring within Pragati Maidan, calling on the wild. DC will be there with freshly modified cars; like a Monnet to an art lover is his creation to the boys. It will be truly exhilarating, I’m sure.

And how can I forget Europe’s premium car makers such as Audi, Mercedes and Volvo, with their trademarks displayed: Audi’s A3 Sedan and the S6 Limousine, Mercedes’ M-Class SUV, and the stalwart Volvo S60. Rolls Royce, Maserati, and Porsche will grace their stands, watching mere mortal men attracted to their auras. Another European car maker with incredible power to lure a caboodle of men is the Bugatti, which will make its presence felt this year, marking its territory being a new player in the event. 

Aside from the garish displays, there’s another purpose of Auto Expo 2012. To showcase a cause, along with the safety of passengers, that in future will be beneficial for us: the 11^th expo is focusing on reducing carbon emissions to keep the environment safe; the fuel efficient or hybrid technological innovations definitely attracting the frugal among us. It will help generate new ideas for concepts based on urban and environmental needs, highlighting the areas of improvements, and promoting technological products, components, or vehicles designed keeping in mind the future needs.

      Allotment of space was closed last month itself due to an overwhelming response, which only describes the competitiveness prevalent in the auto industry here; a sure sign of success for Auto Expo 2012. Many major car and two-wheeler manufacturers have established themselves in India based on the simple fact that it is one of the fastest growing automobile markets in the world. Annual car sales are projected to increase manifold in the coming years and the only hindrance to enjoying a smooth ride will be congested Indian roads. Let’s hope this ‘Flash of the Titans’ will help deliver the exigency of this message: the country’s infrastructure needs to be ready for the future.