The beginning of truck wars? (AutoExpo 2010 diary)

NEW DELHI - The biennial Auto Expo 2010 that opened here Tuesday could well signal the beginning of “truck wars” in a segment that was hitherto dominated by Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland, with Eicher just about getting a look-in.

Mahindra and Mahindra, till now known for its utility vehicles, SUVs and of late cars, has already unveiled its Navstar truck, a 25-tonne vehicle that will be manufactured in collaboration with the US company of the same name.

The Navstar launch is being seen as a move to take on the Prima heavy truck that Tata Motors has introduced in the market.

“Competition is welcome and we more than welcome it,” said an official at the sprawling Tata Motors pavilion, not wanting to be named as he did not wish to stir a controversy. “But then, don’t forget, we have a head start.”

Looks like Mahindra has a real fight on its hands.

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TVS hybrid three-wheeler a huge hit

With Bajaj announcing it is pulling out of the scooter space to focus on motorcycles, TVS Motors is perhaps the first to seize the opportunity headlong with its hybrid three-wheeler that runs on petrol, CNG and an electric battery.

The vehicle, incidentally, is already proving to be a huge hit as it ferries visitors around the sprawling Pragati Maidan complex where Auto Expo 2010 is being held.

Its biggest advantage? The three-wheeler gives 60 km to the litre against the Bajaj CNG vehicle. It’s also got a host of other features like a MP3 player and reclinable seats.

Additionally, it’s also driver-friendly in the sense that its control panel is fabricated of collapsible plastic so that the driver doesn’t get trapped in the unfortunate event of an accident.

“Sir, it’s much more comfortable than what you have on the roads today, both for passengers and the driver,” said Ganeshan, who is ferrying visitors around in one of the vehicles.

The other visitor-transporter that is proving extremely popular is the stretch version of the Tata Ace light goods vehicle that has been modified to carry 13 passengers and a driver in an open-sided format, giving passengers an unrestricted view of what is around them.

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A foodies delight

As happens whenever Pragati Maidan hosts a major event, it becomes a foodies paradise, providing a double delight for visitors. And so it is at Auto EXpo 2010, with a variety of cuisine available at moderate-to-steep rates.

Among the cheapest items available is perhaps paani puri at Rs.30. If it’s a masala dosa, chicken momo, or pav bhaji you fancy, be prepared to shell out Rs.60.

Fancy something more substantial? A chicken American grilled sandwich will set you back by Rs.130, a vegetable lunch pack by Rs.130 and a chicken biryani by Rs.150. At the upper end of the scale is the buffet lunch for Rs.400 — and a pretty lavish spread it is.

Or perhaps you’d prefer a “paneer hot dog” for Rs.50 or a “chicken hot dog” for Rs.70?

Despite Tuesday being reserved for the media, there was still a fairly large crowd at Pragati Maidan, what with many of the participants coming out to enjoy the bright sun after days of dreary weather — and all seemed to be enjoying themselves as they tucked in.