This article initially appeared in the February 2020 issue of PowerTALK News.
The 15th edition of the biennial Auto Expo 2020 in New Delhi posted a record turnout of visitors. Despite missing out on mega launches and lukewarm participation by many OEMs, and absentees like Honda, Toyota, Fiat-Chrysler, Ford, Nissan, Audi, Hero Moto Corp, TVS Motors, Bajaj Auto and Royal Enfield the auto show presented many futuristic concepts and cleaner vehicles.
Source: ET Auto.com Read The Article
PSR Analysis: With the entire country gearing up for the imminent transition to cleaner emission norms in BS6, and the uncertainty over the recovery of a bad 2019, it was impressive that the Auto Expo 2020 registered a record attendance.
The show saw a slew of launches from the participating OEMs, and almost all the vehicles present were displayed with BS6 capabilities. Although major players such as Hero, Ashok Leyland and others did not attend, they were replaced by several important Chinese newcomers such as Great Wall Motors.
Tata Motors launched upgraded BS6 compliant versions of their commercial vehicles, ranging from the Ace mini truck to the 49T Prima series. Force motors along with SML also displayed their upgraded lineups.
With the auto expo providing the perfect stage for OEMs to display their BS6 readiness, the attention now shifts to the March 31 deadline for the transition. OEMs will start producing only BS6 variants from mid-February to smoothly transition. Although with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, we will see a push from the OEMs to close the fiscal strongly, Q1 of FY21 will see a drop in sales due to price hikes in the transition. PSR
Ritvik Kulkarni is a Research Analyst in the India office of Power Systems Research
