Star-spangled Auto Expo will miss out on a few big names

• Over a dozen automakers will be absent from the biennial event
• Companies attributing the high cost of participation and limited
return on marketing spends
• BMW will launch new 7 Series and X1

The most anticipated biennial event of the Indian automotive industry, Delhi Auto Expo 2016 will miss out on a few big names this edition. ‘These include Skoda Auto, Harley-Davidson, Volvo, Bharat Benz and the two-wheeler major Bajaj Auto,” according to a report on Business Today.

Even though the launch of the next generation Superb from Skoda is due, the automaker is not planning to launch the vehicle during the event, but will pull the curtains off, during later half of February, the report added.

Something that comes across as a surprise is the absence of Bajaj from the event. Considering the stir it had created in the last edition with its Pulsar 400 SS and 400 CS, there was much expected from the Pune-based maker for edition.

But now it seems that the automaker at present only prefers to showcase its product lineup in global arenas. The absence of Bajaj might also pave way for Hero Motor Corp to steal the show, which seems to have an impressive product line under its sleeve.

Also, Hero is yet to launch most of the performance based motorcycles showcased in the last edition, including the HX 250 and the Hastur. So, won’t be surprised if people get to see a reprised version of these.

While amidst all of these, the new entrants which can turn tables around this time can be the Renegade, DSK Benelli, Abarth, Jeep and even Piaggio. Even BMW Motorrad is planning to put up a great show with its BMW S 1000 XR, S 1000 RR, R nine T and R 1200 GS.

Among the entry level cars, enthusiasts are keenly waiting for the launch of Zica, Tata's much awaited replacement for Indica, which was launched over decade-and-half ago. Tata Zica is expected to offer more choices to consumers who are looking at a Maruti Suzuki Celerio or a Hyundai Grand i10 and the likes as either their first or the second car.

Tata has already shared their plans of launching two new products every year till 2020 and Tata Nexon fits into their scheme of things. Nexon will be a lucrative option for car enthusiasts who have taken fancy to the successful Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Hyundai Creta or Maruti's S-Cross.

It is reported that the event is likely to have more than 7 lakh visitors and witness around 80 new vehicle launches, 20 of which would be global debuts. But some companies are attributing the high cost of participation and limited return on marketing spends for the week-long event as a big dissuader.

BMW 7 Series and X1

BMW has done something in extremes, with the announcement of the extreme luxury line new 7 Series and entry level SUV, the X1 at Auto Expo 2016. Veteran cricketer and brand ambassador of BMW, Sachin Tendulkar will be present at the unveiling.

“The all-new BMW 7 Series offers a harmonious balance between unmatched luxury, technical innovation and dynamic performance. The all-new BMW X1 will establish new benchmarks with its sturdy proportions, impressive versatility and premium characteristics,” read a statement released on Friday.

Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India will address a conference at Auto Expo 2016 on February 3 at Hall No. 10, India Expo Mart, Greater Noida. The recently launched 3 Series will also be on display at the Auto Expo.

“The world’s most successful premium sedan - the BMW 3 Series packs-in an iconic design, sporty dynamics and outstanding efficiency,” it said. Apart from this, the BMW India pavilion at the Auto Expo 2016 will display the BMW 3 Series, the 3 Series Gran Turismo, the 5 Series, the 7 Series, X1, X3, X5, M4 Coupe, M6 Gran Coupe, X6 M, Z4 and the BMW i8.