Mangalore Auto Expo 2013
City on Wheels Auto Expo organized in Mangalore was unlike other Auto Expos organized till date in other parts of India such as Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and so on. Although it was not as large as the other Auto Expos across the country with more vehicles on display, City on Wheels Auto expo had managed to be the largest Auto Expo in South India. This Auto expo took place in one of the biggest grounds in Mangalore named Nehru Maidan and was inaugurated by Gulshan Grover on 7th June (Friday) who is popularly known as the ‘Bad Man’ of Bollywood.
The people of Mangalore experienced such an Auto expo only thanks to Aura Cine Vista Pvt Ltd (ACVPL) and Dream Craft Creations, Mumbai which was presented by Corporation Bank and powered by Red Bricks. Although initially people in Mangalore had thought that it would be similar to the other small Auto Expos which had already taken place in Mangalore in the past, but later after inauguration they were astonished to see the other world renowned brands such as Range Rover, Jaguar, Skoda, Renault, Toyota, BMW, Audi, Mini Cooper, Volvo, Tata, Maruti Suzuki and Volkswagen.
Mr. Gulshan Grover said that “The big brands of cars in the auto expo show that Mangalore has the potentiality to afford them as well as the standard of living has become better and so also Mangalore’s image”. Unlike other Auto Expos, City on Wheels Auto Expo did not have any entry fees. As soon as we entered the large tent that accumulated all the luxurious world renowned cars, our eyes caught the looks of the 2.2-litre SD4 Range Rover Evoque which was bluish in color and powered with a huge 2179 cc engine. As we approached the Range Rover Evoque we saw the stylish black Jaguar XF standing besides the Range Rover.
After experiencing the features of these two biggies we then went on where we saw the all new Skoda Laura, Renault Fluence, and Renault Duster after which we had to halt our proceeding as soon as we saw the new BMW X1 which had a black Rafter at the top of it signifying that the BMW X1 was meant for adventurous journeys. There was also a display of key chains from the different brands whose prices ranged between 1700 to 4500 INR.
As we discussed about the cars already seen in the previous line-up we got a priceless glimpse of small kids who were eagerly admiring the two small bicycles and 4-wheeler toddlers on display from BMW. Moving on we captured pics of the BMW 5-Series which had wonderful interiors along with a sleek and stylish exteriors. Later we saw the Mini Cooper and the Mini Country Man which had some of the interiors identical signifying the traditional old style being maintained in these two vehicles.
After all these range of cars seen, there was finally a 650cc motorcycle from BMW which was in fact the only one motorcycle in the entire Auto Expo. Apart from the luxurious cars, City on Wheels Auto expo had also showcased the all new Fiat Punto 2013, Fiat Linea 2013, Limited Edition of Maruti Swift, Anniversary Edition of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Tata Safari Storme, and the all new Tata Indica Vista D90 which had new set of spoilers and side skirts in place and the Volkswagen Polo SR.
As all companies have their flagship product, the star of the Auto expo was the all-new Audi R8 which was red in color and whose ground clearance was just about few inches from the ground. This luxurious expensive car owned by a Mangalorean is the first 2013 Audi R8 in South India. All the people were disappointed since they did not get a chance to have a seat in this monster since it was already owned by someone when compared to all the other cars in display. Ending our journey in the Auto expo we got to see the SUV Volvo XC60 and the compact Sedan Volvo S60. Mr. Grover concluded by saying that “A trader will come to a city only when he sees business growth there, and that Mangalore has all the potentiality for further growth. He also termed people of Mangalore as the best he has come across in his life”.
Check out more pictures after a jump.
Also see – BA Exclusive – Mangalore Auto Expo 2012
See more Photos of 2013 City on Wheels –
Photograghy by Athul Kakathkar,
Also Special thanks to Shameel for his kind support.
