The air pollution debate, especially after recent court decisions and Delhi's traffic-reduction experiment, is being seized as an opportunity by automakers to introduce greener and cleaner vehicles.
Most of them showcased electric and hybrid vehicles at the Auto Expo that began in Greater Noida on Wednesday. From two-wheelers to passenger cars to buses, companies across segments are displaying electric and hybrid vehicles with a promise that Delhi, one of the world's most polluted cities, will be able to breathe easier. Hybrid versions of the Volkswagen Passat and Honda Accord will be launched to join Toyota's Camry. Toyota itself introduced the new-generation Prius for the Indian market. Buyers of such vehicles get a subsidy from the Indian government.
The company launched a bigger 110 cc version of the Splendor ismart and an electric scooter concept, the Duet-E.
Rival Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India showcased its global electric vehicle or EV Cub concept. Cub is the next generation motor-equipped personal commuter for short distances, said Honda.
Mahindra & Mahindra, which has an electric vehicle unit, showcased its full range — the Gen Ze electric scooter, the Formula E car, the Verito Electric Car — underlining that the maker of the Scorpio and Bolero is ready with greener solutions for the future. The heavy commercial segment saw the launch of an electric bus by JBM and a non-plugin hybrid by Ashok Leyland. Tata Motors, India's largest heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer, also showcased a hybrid bus and is likely to display electric buses in the Expo.
(This news article is from The Economic Times)
