Auto brands log on to social networks to contemplate youth

Auto brands are leveraging social media platforms like Youtube, Facebook and Twitter to create unique user experiences at the 12th Auto Expo here as they compete to grab the attention of young consumers.

Brands like Chevrolet, Mercedes, Hero, Mahindra and Audi have partnered with Google to create a unique user experience for their launches and promote them on platforms like YouTube and Google+ hangouts.

Auto Expo's Facebook page has more than 43,000 fans and is being constantly updated with news and information on the event.

Twitter is abuzz with conversations around the hashtag #AETMS14.

Mercedes-Benz, for example, will use Google Hangouts and Google On-Demand to live stream various events on its official YouTube Channel. It will showcase a virtual tour of the pavilion. Visitors can also shoot the stall and upload the video to provide a virtual walk-through.

"Young generation plays a key role as they are more aware and want to know instantly. We feel that through innovative marketing concepts on digital platform, we create a direct connect with consumers and offer them better understanding of our brand," a Hyundai Motor India spokesperson told PTI.

Suzuki is leveraging Twitter to create a buzz around its showcase. Visitors to this pavilion can get their pictures clicked and either put it up on Facebook, tweet it or get it emailed for later use.

Chevrolet, on its part, will give visitors a unique interactive platform called 'Chaterrati' and will share a montage of sound bytes and reactions from them live on YouTube.