Hummer, Cadillac, Bajaj's first car at 2008 Auto Expo

As the ninth Auto Expo kicks off in January 2008, the ‘Mobility for All’ theme of the show will see launches ranging from luxury cars to compact cars.

The organisers of the ninth edition of the bi-annual event has planned to create a record by kickstarting the longest-ever auto expo in the country. An impressive showcase of the Indian automobile and auto-component industry for the last 18 years is expected to unfurl from January 10, 2008.

It is expected that more than 2,000 companies, 41 vehicle manufacturers, 1,900 auto components, auto-accessories and other manufacturers would participate in this edition of the event. The Auto Expo will showcase General Motors' Hummer and Cadillac models apart from Tata's 1-lakh car.

Besides, the New Delhi Auto Expo would also see the global unveiling of 18 brands, including Honda’s Civic Hybrid car. Other new vehicles include the sports utility vehicle Touareg of Volkswagen and compact car Jazz from Honda. Maruti Suzuki will also show some of its forthcoming model's design themes in the form of the Concept A-Star and Splash.

Dilip Chhabria, India's most famous car design guru, is also lining up something very special for the Auto Expo. According to a report, he has created two wild concepts to be showcased at the Expo.

Two-wheeler company Bajaj is also expected to launch its first car that will be priced in the range of Rs 2 -5 lakh.

The ninth edition of the Auto Expo comes at a time when India is witnessing great interest in new cars. A car buyer in India currently is ready to shell out up to Rs 6 million for a custom-designed car, it has been pointed out.