The eighth Auto Expo came to a close in New Delhi with companies announcing investments of around $1.2 billion dollars for the Indian market even as business deals more than trebled to cross $150 million.
A platform for new launches and unveiling futuristic models, the seven-day extravaganza saw auto majors announce big plans for India, one of the fastest growing automobile markets in the world.
If German component major Bosch set the tone for the expo by announcing Rs 800 crore (Rs 8 billion) investments a day prior to the start of the event, domestic car giant Maruti Udyog promised investments of Rs 2,718 crore (Rs 27.18 billion) for new model launches, research and development and upgradation.
The company, riding high on the blazing run of its new model 'Swift', also said that it would be launching five new models in the country over the next five years.
Another major highlight of the Expo was the agreement between Tata Motors and Italy's ailing carmaker Fiat. While Tata gave Fiat access to its dealerships in India, the latter agreed to help the Indian company in growing abroad as well as in supply of technology.
Apart from Bosch and Maruti, big-ticket investment announcements included those by Hero Honda {Rs 320 crore (Rs 3.2 billion)}, Yamaha {Rs 300 crore (RS 3 billion)}, Ashok Leyland {Rs 550 crore (Rs 5.5 billion)}, TVS-Delphi {Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion)} and Bharat Forge {Rs 400 crore (Rs 4 billion)}.
"The Auto Expo has been a success and most of the participating companies want to come back," Gurpal Singh of CII, one of the three organisers of the event, said.
The 8th Expo had many first to its credit. It was one of the biggest auto expo held in India with occupied space in excess of 70,000 sq mtrs and over 1,000 participants, including 300 from 22 countries.
The new launches at the Expo included 'Rhino', a multi-utility vehicle from homegrown Sonalika group. With an entry-price of Rs 540,000, the vehicle is certain to create a few ripples in the segment, dominated by Toyota's Innova and General Motors' Tavera.
Honda, which unveiled hybrid and other futuristic vehicles, also displayed the 'Civic', the soon-to-be launched car.
Even as parent Volkswagen finalises plans to enter India, its subsidiaries Skoda and Audi showcased some of their products. While Audi put on display its luxury sedan 'A4', the luxury carmaker Skoda announced that it would launch six new models in India.
Bajaj Auto also unveiled four new vehicles at the Expo, which included two gearless scooters and two bikes.
© 2026