India's thriving auto industry on show

Описание: (5 Feb 2016) LEADIN
Auto sales may be slowing China, but in India demand is growing.
Car enthusiasts are gathering at New Delhi's biennial Auto Expo to glimpse the latest models and trends.

STORYLINE:
India's biennial motor show is in full-throttle.
The 13th edition of Auto Expo, one of the largest auto shows in Asia, has opened its gates to the public at a venue in Greater Noida, on the outskirts of the capital New Delhi.
Shiny SUVs, futuristic concepts, and mean racing machines are all on display, as both Indian and international automakers showcase their goods.
Tens of thousands of excited car fans – including ones a little to young for a driving license – are taking pictures and selfies with their favourite models.
The demand for vehicles is increasing year-on-year and India is set to become the world's third largest automobile market this year, surpassing Brazil and Japan, according to a 2014 forecast by IHS automotive, a research and data company.
Hyundai is one of the top car sellers in India, with the second highest market share in passenger vehicles, attracting buyers with their low-priced hatchbacks and sedans.
Rakesh Srivastava, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Hyundai India, says they sell cars in the price range of 4,500 to 45,000 US dollars.
Last year, they launched a compact SUV, the Hyundai Creta, which became one of the hottest sellers in its segment last year.
"Potential is huge," Srivastava says "And with the kind of initiative that the government has taken in terms of bringing in investments, improving the consumer sentiments,what we believe 2016 will be a strong year."
But not everyone is a winner in the Indian automobile market.
German carmaker Volkswagen, which entered the Indian market relatively late, aims to increase its market share that stands at less than five percent.
Prospective buyers from around the country are getting a feel of what's new, as Indians enjoy a wide range of options and the ease of buying them online.
Atul Tewari of online car trading portal Quikr, says demand is good.
"There are models coming from the US (United States) like Mustang and all, which has come on here. So obviously there is a demand otherwise people would not be bringing those cars in India."
India is also the world's second largest producer of motorcycles with total production reaching over 18 million units in 2015 according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).
Some young Indians are infatuated with super bikes and international bikes were getting a lot of attention at the show.
"It has a superb model, superb horsepower, it is just fabulous. That's why I am here," says Vivek Gupta, who stood mesmerized by the Suzuki Hayabusa.
There's also a fledgling market for alternative fuel-powered cars and hybrids.
That's been helped by India's Supreme Court banning the registration of some new diesel vehicles in the capital and the Delhi government restricting the number of vehicles on the road earlier this year in a push to reduce air pollution.
Though very few are spotted on the streets, Tewari believes hybrids are going to get more popular as the government's drive to fight pollution gets fiercer.
"Once better options are available and people start trusting them more, I think this (hybrids) will happen."
At the luxury end of the market, the Nissan GT-R, which was launched this year, has a hefty price tag of more than 220,000 US dollars.
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