More launches on Auto Expo Day 2, but glitz and glamour missing

New Delhi, Jan 7 (PTI) A good number of variants and new models made their debut on the second day of the Auto Expo 2012 here on Friday, but the glitz and glamour was a bit faded compared to the opening day. The only Bollywood star on the day was actress Gul Panag, who unveiled US off-road vehicles manufacturer Polaris' new products. On Thursday, an array of celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif and John Abraham had added to the glitz. The major highlight was the country's largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp's first concept hybrid scooter. It is the first major technological breakthrough that the homegrown firm has achieved following its separation from Japanese partner Honda. The crowded second day also saw the country's car market leader Maruti Suzuki India foraying into the multi-purpose vehicle segment with the unveiling of a seven-seater, Ertiga, which will go on sale by March this year. Indian auto major Tata Motors said it plans to enter new global markets such as Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia and Bangladesh with the 'Nano', the world's cheapest car, within a year, as well as launch a CNG version of the car in the domestic market. The company also said it plans to invest Rupees 30.0 billion (about USD 600 million) on capacity expansion and various product development activities next fiscal. Another car-maker, General Motors, unveiled two new vehicles under the Chevrolet brand that will be launched later this year in the country. Premium hatchback Chevrolet Sail and Chevrolet MPV Concept are the first two products from GM's joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). Meanwhile, announcing a comeback, three-wheeler manufacturer Piaggio Vehicles re-entered the scooter segment by introducing its iconic 'Vespa' at the 11th Auto Expo here. On the commercial vehicle front, Asia Motor Works announced its foray into the luxury bus segment with the unveiling of a 57-seater bus. The bus will hit Indian roads in the middle of this year. Force Motors, too, introduced another version of its Traveller passenger vehicle, priced at Rs 1.15 million. It also showcased a hybrid variant of the Traveller at the auto show. PTI