Bangalore Expo hits the right note

The Bangalore International Automotive Expo 2009 (BIAE) held from January 9-11 proved to be a major draw. It drew nearly 500 exhibitors who displayed a wide range of products, services and technologies to over 5,000 delegates and 100,000 auto enthusiasts from all over South India. In addition, there were pavilions dedicated to automotive components and accessories complemented with forums, seminars and workshops on the current and future trends in the industry.

It was promoted under the aegis of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Federation of Indian Automobile Associations (FIAA), Automobile Association of Southern India (AASI) , Western India Automobile Association(WIAA) and organised by Winmedia Communications with Autocar Professional as its media partner.

The event brought together a host of industry stakeholders including vehicle manufacturers, maintenance and care professionals, interior and finished products providers, accessory manufacturers, ITeS/ CAD/ CAM designers, navigation system providers, component makers, oil and lubricant providers, entertainment system makers and fitters, security and safety equipment manufacturers, tyres, tubes and wheel manufacturers, coach builders, custom designers, garage and workshop equipment makers as well as insurance and finance professionals.

The exhibitors used the show as a platform to provide a touch and feel experience to visitors of their ‘high quality’ products. Also, as a meeting ground for business visitors to explore potential for joint ventures, partnerships/ associations, sourcing, dealerships and networks. The expo also saw test marketing of new products and enabled exhibitors to interact with end users.

A number of leading automobile manufacturers participated in the expo. They included Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, Nissan India, Reva Electric Car Company, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Kinetic Engineering, Royal Enfield Motorcycles, TVS Motor Company, Yamaha Motors, Hindustan Motors and Hyundai. AC Tech of Germany and Stadco Ltd of the UK were also there. Raj Krishna Murthy, managing director, Winmedia Communications, said: “The aim of this event was to provide a base for an automotive component manufacturing revolution from Bangalore that may take shape in the future”.

Focus on fuel efficiency

The expo took place just when there was a call for a countrywide strike by petroleum company officers. As it happened, a number of exhibitors at the BIAE took the opportunity to highlight the alternative energy theme. There were also a number of electric vehicles, both on two- and four wheels like the Reva.

Showgoers found much to stop by and take a closer look. These included the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) stall, the two stalls set up by engineering students of RV College of Engineering which displayed an ultra-fuel effcient, eco-friendly vehicle (see panel alongside). The Reva electric vehicle, as usual, was a popular exhibit. South India has a large population of two-wheeler enthusiasts and two-wheeler manufacturers saw renewed interest in their exhibits.

Yamaha and Suzuki with their big motorcycles were a big draw. The Yamaha R15 and FZ16 were major crowdpullers as was the Suzuki stand with its speed rocket, the Hayabusa and the Intruder.

Other exhibitors included San Storm, Ovion Seatings with its work displayed in a Volkswagen Beetle and a Merc S-class, and Racetech, along with HPI Racing, showcased some remote-controlled models.