New Suzuki Splash

Theparis Auto show had a brilliant display of sleek sporty cars, besides giving a sneak peek of what’s coming to India soon.

Every auto buffs much awaited annual extravaganza, the paris Motor Show in early October is traditionally the international motor industry’s first preview of new car models to be launched the following year. The huge media verage also ensures that these companies display their other successful models as well as their new technologies and innovations.

At this year show French majors Renault Peugeot and Citreon were naturally the most prominent but visitors from India were most interested in the model that might be headed for our shores. Few noticed the Corolla sized Renault Megaine that may soon join the Logan in the Mahindra Renault stable. In the current style of cars with big air intakes, the Suzuki Splash was globally launched and will soon be in India rebadged as Maruti “A Star” another interedting model from Suzuki was the little jeep like Jimny. The Honda Jazz that will be here next year was also a prominent attraction at the event. The Korean i20 much in the style of their preceding successful model—the i10, was also showcased here. This will probably replace the Getz while the bigger i30 is likely to replace the Accent.

The world's largest automaker, USA, with its big gas guzzlers, is still a world apart. American companies like General Motors and Ford have a big presence in Europe and Asia and presented many interesting models at the show. GM's new Cruise, though designed for American buyers who now want smaller and more fuel-efficient cars, will be suitable as a large saloon to replace the spacious Optra. A vehicle that was impossible to ignore was their huge and aggressive new Hummer. Ford displayed their stylish new Fiesta and a new bigger Mondeo. Chrysler, the maker of the original Jeep, is reportedly looking for a tie-up in India.

However, it was the array of European brands that held out the greatest fascination for auto enthusiasts. Spectators were wowed by the Brava from Fiat and the Logan, with a better looking new grille. The sporty exotics from Ferrari, Maserati and Bentley were prominent attractions. Looking like a dowager in a ballet frock, the venerable Rolls-Royce coupe, which has been added to the Rolls-Royce range, made its presence felt at the show. But the German trio held the floor. There were several cars from Volkswagen that will soon be in India while their racy Audi R8 was a stunner. The luxury car segment has grown rapidly in India (nearly 80 per cent this year) as well as worldwide. Audi and Mercedes displayed a sleek range of models, including the huge Mercedes S600 Pullman and a stylish SLR722. BMW showcased a new XI as a smaller version of their X3 SUV and formally launched their new flagship BM 7 series.

There's enough reason behind all this extravagance: the auto industry is the world's largest manufacturing industry, producing 53 million cars and 20 million other vehicles per year. The industry accounts for 10 per cent of global employment directly or indirectly. Unlike banks and financial institutions that seem to collapse too easily, the auto industry is much braver and responds to the challenges of recession, fuel prices and inflation with new models, technologies and market enlargement. Today 46 main automakers produce about 3,000 models worldwide and despite the global recessionary trend, the industry showed percent growth last year. Though it has been a late starter, India now ranks as the world’s eighth largest passenger carmaker producing over 50 models.

The Tokyo Motor Show, with a greater emphasis on the Asia, closely follows the French event. The Frankfurt Motor Show, America's Detroit in January and Geneva's presentation follows in April after many new cars are carefully launched.