Shah Rukh Khan unveils Hyundai’s i10 electric at Auto Expo 2010

NEW DELHI - Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan unveiled the electric version of Hyundai’s i10 at the ongoing New Delhi Auto Expo 2010 here on Wednesday.

The new i10 electric has a 49kW (66.6 PS) electric motor under the hood that will power its front wheels.

The electricity will be stored in its 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack - the same type of battery powering our cell-phones and other electronic devices.

Khan, on this occasion, also reminisced how during his childhood days he used to visit his father’s shop at Pragati Maidan.

“We are going to present to you certain innovations, technologies and other stuff that of course Hyundai is famous for all across the world and has brought to India. I was very nostalgic coming to Pragati Maidan, my childhood was spent here in Pragati Maidan, my father used to have a small shop there,” said Khan, who is also the brand ambassador of Hyundai.

Hyundai, which shares about 16 percent of the fast-growing Indian car market, also showcased H1 Wagon, i-mate and Genesis Coupe at the auto expo.

Hyundai Motor Co is bracing for tougher competition in India as more global rivals attack the small-car segment, but said it would continue to be a top player due to its big volumes and sprawling sales network.

Leading utility vehicle maker Mahindra and Mahindra also showcased the special edition of its popular SUV Mahindra Scorpio and Mahindra Navistar Trucks on the second day of the 10Auto Expo.

The second day of the 10th Auto Expo also saw another Bollywood star Ajay Devgan who paid a visit to Mahndra pavilion.

“I already own a Scorpio and I like this utility vehicle and that is why we are here…I share old ties with Mahindras,” said Ajay Devgan, Bollywood actor.

The weeklong 10 th Auto Expo, which opened on Tuesday (January 05) has been organized jointly by Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India, Confederation of Indian Industry and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

Car sales in India, world’s second-most populous country, are set to jump about 16 per cent this year to 1.4 million vehicles, buoyed by robust economic growth and government incentives, in contrast to a slump in many developed markets.

That, and the abundance of new models has industry insiders talking for the first time of a Delhi auto show that could rival or surpass the annual Detroit auto show in importance.

The first Auto Expo was held in 1986, the second in 1993, and the third in 1996. Since then, the Auto Expo has been institutionalised as a biennial show. (ANI)