The Indian automotive industry's biggest event brings to fore a host of new and environment-friendly mobility options, which could allay growing environment concerns. While hybrid and electric technologies may still be in their nascent stage in the subcontinent, with the pressure on fossil fuels ramping up, green technologies are evolving as a viable power solution to tackle the ever-growing commuting demands.
India is home to 12 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world and automobiles are a significant contributor. It was also apt that the expo was taking place at Greater Noida, barely 25 km from the national capital, which had just seen a 15-day odd-even experiment. Half a dozen hybrids and electrics unveiled at the event could well be the answer to the vehicle number puzzle faced by Delhiites.
Steep prices, however, could be a stumbling block. The Prius comes at a neat Rs 40 lakh (ex- showroom Delhi) while others, such as the Nissan X-Trail and Volks-wagen Passat GTE, will be equally expensive, if not more. The industry is banking on government support to boost such technologies after the rollout of FAME, or Faster Adoption of Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles in India, which offers cash incentives to manufacturers and customers from April 2015. Without the support, some of these vehicles may not even hit the Indian market. Yet, it is always good to have a sneak peak at what may be the future of mobility in India.
Some affordable options, like the Maruti's Ciaz sedan, have also come up with innovative hybrid solutions - even with limited benefits the vehicles could provide us with the kind of middle-of-the-road alternative that India perhaps needs. "There are a host of eco-friendly green technologies that could address the environmental concerns, but rationalised tax structure is a must to make them affordable for the Indian consumer and for commercial success," says Toyota Kirloskar Motor Managing Director Naomi Ishii. The auto major has been actively campaigning for reduction of import duty on hybrids and electric vehicles, which with added taxes, runs up to 160 per cent of the vehicle price.
Utility vehicle major Mahindra & Mahindra also unveiled the GenZe 2.0, the first connected all-electric scooter, and the Verito, an electric sedan. "The electric vehicles reflect Mahindra's vision of the Future of Mobility, which we believe, would lead to the creation of more sustainable urban areas," says Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group.
Electric vehicles - both cars and two wheelers - have been present for over a decade in India, but lack of charging infrastructure has hampered growth. But, the emphasis on hybrid as an alternative was also evident in the Expo. French carmaker Renault showcased its EOLAB concept that could run close to 100 km with just one litre of fuel. This plug-in hybrid integrates technology, including lightweight design and aerodynamics, to minimise fuel consumption. Other global majors, too, showed their concerns for 'greener mobility'. Honda, for instance, showcased the Accord hybrid after it had burnt its fingers with a hybrid version of the Civic eight years ago, and was forced to cut prices to clear the huge inventory it had piled up.
Korean auto major Hyundai is awaiting a clearer government policy before it finalises the Sonata plug-in hybrid for Indian roads. "This product is doing well in our overseas markets. However, it's an expensive car and right incentives from the (Indian) government would go a long way to make it a commercial success," said Rakesh Shrivastava, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Hyundai.
THE ODD BALLS
The biennial motoring show brings some super star attractions offering unique opportunities for mobility. Honda introduced Navi - a dinky little bike with unique styling. The other attraction was the driverless shuttle bus, which could be the mode of transport in controlled campuses. It may not be in the same league as Google's autonomous car, but would surely change the way short commuting is perceived. The cabin-less structure featuring a fl oating design seat and powered by Honda's MotoGP RC213V engine, the Maclaren Honda MP4-30 concept model embodies the feat of creative craftsmanship.
READY TO ROLL
The real show stoppers were a bevy of new compact sports utility vehicles mostly stamped in neat metal frames and ideal for the fastexpanding Indian middle class. The post-liberalisation economic boom and rising incomes have helped the industry raise aspirations where the average ticket size of cars has now touched Rs 5 lakh - a quantum jump from Rs 3.2 lakh fi ve years ago. Banking on the growing propensity to spend more on cars, companies have pushed the envelope to develop new-generation vehicles, with SUVs and crossovers dominating this season of the motoring show. From Hyundai's HND-14, a sub-four metre SUV that boasts multi-function lifestyle in its acclaimed fl uidic styling, to Maruti Suzuki's aggressively priced Vitara Brezza, which is expected to change the way Indians perceive the fast-growing market, were the most sought-after vehicles.
