After the sleuth of new reforms introduced by the government and heavy pressure exerted on the auto industry by the pushing forwards the date of implementation of Bharat Stage 6 (BS-VI), the on-going Auto Expo 2016 was meant to be of significant importance. Now that the media days have surpassed us, it's safe to say that the automakers did not disappoint! This year's expo has seen a huge number of manufacturers showcase their might by introducing their upcoming vehicles equipped with the latest new technologies.
Also Read: Mahindra's First Concept Car at the Auto Expo, XUV Aero, Unveiled
Mahindra XUV Aero Concept
The first 2 days of the expo saw many pavilions showcasing concept forms of future vehicles but after waiting till the last minute, Mahindra unveiled its stunning XUV500-based Aero Concept to a palpitating crowd gathered around it. Following the Aero Concept, Mahindra also showcased the E20 Sport Concept, range of commercial vehicles including the new Blazo range of trucks, and signed off by unveiling the SsangYong Tivoli which is slated to arrive this festive season. Mahindra's impressive display won them the CNB Auto Expo Awards for Excellence for Best CV Pavilion and Best Concept 4-Wheeler.
Also Read: Auto Expo 2016: SsangYong Tivoli Unveiled in India
Tata Pavilion at Auto Expo 2016
In terms of sheer size and layout though, the award for Best Pavilion 4-Wheelers went to Tata Motors whereas the Hero pavilion was adjudged best among the 2-wheeler displays. The company boasts of the largest display at this year's on-going expo and featured some great crowd pullers including a personalisation centre where customers could create their own designs. The icing on the cake was the presence of Katrina Kaif at the launch of the Jaguar XE.
Also Read: Auto Expo 2016: Jaguar XE Launched At Rs 39.90 Lakh in India
BMW G 310 R
The Auto Expo 2016 also saw some new brand launches in both bike and car segments with BMW Motorrad and Jeep taking top laurels at the CNB Auto Expo Awards for Excellence. BMW's bikes division had some good looking bikes which were open to public viewing which is great to see. One of its biggest crowd pullers that had people lining up to take selfies on was the upcoming BMW G 310 R. BMW Motorrad said that more information regarding the brand would be released later this year with the G 310 R expected to be its first product in India.
Also Read: Auto Expo 2016: BMW G 310 R Unveiled in India
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
Over the years, the Indian automotive industry's fantastic growth rate has seen it climb to 5th place in terms of size with the next decade expected to push it up further up the list. This faith in the industry is mirrored by most carmakers as numerous big-wigs commented on how the Indian market was headed towards achieving a top-3 spot by 2020. Among the mass-market introductions, India also saw the international unveiling of the highly anticipated Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza which won the award for best Global Debut. The Vitara Brezza also won the award for Best of Show 4-Wheelers which was shared with the stunning Ford Mustang which made its Indian debut at an event prior to Auto Expo 2016. The Honda NAVi mini bike was launched as well and took home the equivalent Best of Show award in the 2-wheelers segment.
Also Read: Auto Expo 2016: Honda Navi Mini-Bike Launched; Priced at Rs 39,500
Shown below is the full list of winners at this year's CNB Auto Expo Awards for Excellence:
Best Pavilion CV: Mahindra and Mahindra
Best Pavilion 4-Wheeler: Tata Motors
Best Pavilion 2-Wheeler: Hero MotoCorp
Best Premium Brand Display: Mercedes-Benz India
Best Interactive Display: Hyundai Motor India Limited
Best Concept 2-Wheeler: TVS Akula
Best Concept 4-Wheeler: Mahindra XUV Aero Concept
New Brand Debut Honour 2-Wheeler: BMW Motorrad
New Brand Debut Honour 4-Wheeler: Jeep
Best Launch 2-Wheeler: Triumph Street Twin
Best Launch 4-Wheeler: BMW X1
Best of Show 2-Wheeler: Honda NAVi
Best of Show 4-Wheeler: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Ford Mustang
Best Global Debut: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
