Bharat Expo revs up, may become an annual affair

Top automakers from India and abroad are expected to turn up at the three-day Bharat Mobility Global Expo, the industry's newest coming-out party that may turn out to be an annual affair, multiple industry executives said.

- Alisha Sachdev

The commerce ministry has offered New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam venue at concessional rates to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to encourage wide participation in the expo's debut edition on 1-3 February, the people said on condition of anonymity. About 27 domestic and international OEMs have confirmed their participation.

An email sent to a commerce ministry spokesperson remained unanswered till press time.

There is also a strong likelihood that the Auto Expo, which is held once every two years, might be merged into the wider umbrella of the Mobility Show, the people cited above added.

Synergies with the Auto Expo, including a possible merger, are being explored by the government and industry bodies like the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). The logic is that the Bharat Mobility expo brings together many more stakeholders of the automotive supply chain, from OEMs and suppliers to battery manufacturers, steel and tyre makers, e-bus service providers and participants in the circular economy.