Around 1,500 participants from 24 countries would be taking part in the show. Companies from Germany, China, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and the UK have already confirmed their participation.
– Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII
The countdown for the 11th Auto Expo to be held in New Delhi during January 5-11 has begun. A massive overseas participation, bigger contingents from Germany and China, and a strong presence of Indian manufacturers have all resulted in complete booking of space at the venue with 16 halls, 10 hangers and the outdoor space in total comprising 1,15,000 sq. meters.
Addressing a press conference in Delhi on the eve of exhibition, Mr. S. Sandilya, SIAM President, said the international attention on the Indian automotive industry is perhaps at its peak today, with the developed markets either stagnant or declining. India is one of the few markets in the world which is growing and also has a vast growth potential in the years to come. Therefore, the world is looking at India to drive future global growth in the auto sector. Almost every foreign vehicle manufacturer has a presence in the exhibition, and companies that do not yet have their presence in India are expected to enter shortly.
According to him, with the current lull in the market, Auto Expo would aim to generate excitement and fulfill the aspirations of the Indian consumers with its theme and would also position India as a champion of Green Mobility, with a focus on alternative fuels, electric and hybrid mobility, etc., which is a national as well as a global imperative today.
The optimism for future prospects is truly reflected in the auto exposition with the venue bursting at its seams with massive bookings.
The Indian component industry too has in the last few years penetrated the global markets either through partnerships or acquisitions. Global component manufacturers like Visteon, Delphi, Magna and Continental either have a dedicated business in India or are in tie-ups with Indian component manufacturers. Tyre majors like Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Dunlop, Continental as well Indian heavyweights like Apollo, JK, MRF, etc., too have carved their space in the Indian automotive industry, the Indian firms even gaining international foothold. Increased attention on India is a result of the tremendous growth shown by its economy, especially when global markets are reeling under severe downturns.
Mr. Arvind Kapur, ACMA President, in his address, observed that exhibitors from the auto component industry have a strong presence in Auto Expo 2012. 
Some of the major component manufacturers from Belarus, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and the UAE are participating in the show, making it “India’s global automotive show”.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice President, SIAM, said that as in the past the 11th Auto Expo would also feature vehicles to be launched in the Indian market in the coming months and years.
Auto Expo 2012 will witness launch of about 50 vehicles, besides display of world class vehicles and designs. India-specific products are also to be unveiled simultaneously for the first time. Component manufacturers would be announcing major innovations in their respective fields, especially their efforts towards green technology.
Auto Expo is rededicating January 5, the first day of the show, as a Goodwill Day as in the previous edition. Although the first day is open exclusively for the media, it would also allow entry to those who are physically challenged. Apart from the innovative additions to the show, it would have its usual focused pavilions for accessories, audio, alternate fuel, gas technologies, design, IT, diesel, garage equipment and the popular ‘asli-naqli’ pavilion.
