Many Carmakers Absent From 2023 Auto Expo, But Biggies Maruti And Hyundai Will Be There Like Always

The post pandemic era has questioned the concept of auto shows and why car-makers are staying away from them.

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Auto Expo is the biggest automotive event in India in terms of being a showcase for new car launches and gauging interest. However, the post-pandemic era has questioned the concept of auto shows and why car-makers are staying away from them.

That said, there are two sides to this argument and the fact is that while digital is a cost-effective way along with being a larger medium in today's age, a car is still a physical object that one needs to see in the flesh. Hence, auto shows while losing slight relevance are still present with the recent Paris Motor Show also being concluded.

That said, physical motor shows have certainly lost some appeal mainly for the exhibitors due to cost and return on investment. With large-scale digital reach and many other mediums, a motor show stand and participation is very expensive for a car-maker and these days, car-makers are much more concerned about the investment.

Hence, with the Auto Expo being back after not being held last year, the participation list is small. There are virtually no two-wheeler makers while in terms of cars, Mahindra, Mercedes, Jeep, Honda, BMW, Citroen plus the entire Volkswagen group is giving the show a miss. Renault and Nissan will also not participate. The last Auto Expo also saw many car-makers pull out due mainly cost reasons but this time, even regulars like Mahindra or Mercedes are not participating.

One other reason is the Auto Expo timeline not matching the calendar of a car company in terms of new car launches and hence, not being viable.

That said, despite a long list of absentees, some car-makers including biggies like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai plus Kia will participate like always. Others like MG and Tata Motors- who like Hyundai and Maruti have always participated will also be there. 

Then Toyota will also be back in being a big entrant with its major launch including the new Innova. BYD- a new entrant in the passenger vehicle space will also showcase its new electric cars.

In the luxury space, only Lexus will be there with its expected new launch for the Indian market.

While most two-wheeler makers are giving the event a miss, some electric start-ups will use the platform to showcase their future products.

The Auto Expo 2023 will be held from 13-18 January 2023 and while the event would be much smaller in size with fewer participants, the relevance of the Auto Expo is still there with many expected global unveils taking place.