Auto expo 2014: Quick ride

Who was seen where
Bajaj's quadricycle ripple hasn't spared even the two companies which have been its harshest critics. On Wednesday, Ratan Tata visited the Bajaj pavilion to check out the quadricycle and the U Car, in the absence of Rajiv Bajaj. On Thursday, TVS group head Venu Srinivasan visited the stall to check out the vehicles. While Bajaj was absent, executives of the company were seen explaining to Srinivasan the working of the four-seater quadricycles.

The two weren't the only ones checking out the competition. T Suzuki, son of Suzuki Motors chief O Suzuki, was seen clicking pictures on his mobile of rival Hyundai's latest launch, the Xcent. When asked, the junior Suzuki conceded it was better to keep a tab on a competitor's model that was likely to do battle with the segment's best-seller, the Maruti Suzuki Swift D'Zire. (HOT WHEELS)

Who let the crowd in?

The crowd on Day Two of Auto Expo 2014 took many exhibitors and the media by surprise. The day was reserved essentially for business visitors and the media before the gates were thrown open to the general public on Day Three. Apparently, apprehensive event organisers issued extra passes for dealers and business associates, who in turn brought their families and friends. By afternoon, the exhibition halls were teeming with people - less business visitors and more trigger-happy mobile clickers.

Going electric
A host of battery-operated vehicles - two wheelers, passenger carriers, transport vehicles - are on display even as large car makers, perhaps with the exception of Mahindra & Mahindra, seem to shy away from the space. Most leading players who had showcased electric-powered concepts at the previous Auto Expo refrained from doing so this time. But smaller players such as Lohia Auto had on display electric scooters and electric rickshaws, while Jalandhar-based Speedways Electric was giving free rides on its battery-operated golf carts.

Get social
Most exhibitors indulged customers at their stalls with social media, exhorting them to post live on Facebook and Twitter. Many had illustrators making free digital sketches, while some had interactive 3D games. M&M's two digital Cheetahs sitting on top of the XUV 500 was a big draw with the crowds.