Auto Expo 2023 highlights Day 1

Maruti Suzuki eVX SUV, MG Hector facelift pricing, Hyundai Ioniq 5 launch, and more Day 1 of the 2023 Auto Expo comes to an end with some new product launches, unveils, announcements, and concepts. The day started with Maruti Suzuki unveiling the eVX electric SUV concept, followed by MG India announcing prices of the updated 2023 Hector SUV. MG India also showcased the eHS and the MG4 electric vehicles, which are global models and will come to India at a later stage. The highlight of the day was the launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV, priced at Rs 44.95 lakh ex-showroom. The Ioniq 5 is powered by a 72.6kWh battery pack that can be charged fully in 18 minutes using a 350kW DC charger. Following Hyundai, Kia showcased the EV9 concept, along with the Kia KA4 MPV, which in essence, is the updated version of the Kia Carnival SUV. Kia also announced its investment plans for India and its road ahead in the EV space. Lexus unveiled the new RX500h for India, which will be available in two powertrains, including the F Sport version, while Toyota showcased a host of models including the Prius, the new Land Cruiser, the Corolla, and the Mirai. It was not all cars that stole the limelight though, as Volvo Eicher showcased its electric bus that has a range of 500 km while it can be fully charged in 45 minutes. Going one up, JBM Auto showcased its electric bus that has a range of 1000km on a full charge. Cummins took the other route showcasing its products based on internal combustion engines that can run on hydrogen. Greaves Cotton showcased three electric two-wheelers while Matter showcased a few concepts at the ongoing Expo. Keeway and Benelli also showcased their offerings for India, which included Keeway’s portfolio, and the launch of the retro SR250 motorcycle. The star of the show was possibly Liger Mobility, a Mumbai-based startup that showcased the world’s first self-balancing electric scooter. Liger’s unique self-balancing tech kicks in at low-speed mode (up to 5kmph) which allows the user to not keep their feet on the ground, in a typical start-stop or crawl traffic scenario. Finally, Tata Motors wraps up day 1 of the Auto Expo by showcasing its hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, the Tata Prima E.55S and H.55S. Finishing off was the announcement of the CNG version of the Punch and Altroz, along with the Tata Harrier EV AWD, that was showcased. That brings a wrap to the first day of the 2023 Auto Expo, which is scheduled to take place till the 18th of January. Although some big names such as Mahindra, TVS, Skoda, Volkswagen, Royal Enfield, and others were missed, the Expo had a lot to offer. Stay tuned for Day 2 of the Auto Expo as we bring all the action live from the venue.