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Things are certainly happening differently this year. While small and compact cars were the preferred option last time round, this year’s Delhi Auto Expo is clearly veering towards launching more and more Multi Utility Vehicles (MUV) and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV).

Yesterday morning Maruti Suzuki unveiled its compact SUV XA Alpha. The company plans to bring in a production level car in the next two years. Today Suzuki will unveil the Ertiga, a multi-purpose vehicle while French carmaker Renault will introduce its Duster SUV. Hyundai India showcased its new Sonata sedan, while its MUV Hexa Space also made its debut.

“SUVs and MPVs are lifestyle products which India is today ready to accept,” said Arvind Saxena, Director of Sales and Marketing, Hyundai India.

Across the hall, Nissan Motor Co. introduced its MUV Evalia, while American GM displayed new versions of its Chevrolet Captiva and Tavera that will be sold later this year. Not to be left behind, Toyota introduced new versions of its Fortuner SUV as well as the Innova MUV.

Hyundai Sonata

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., which has acquired South Korean Sangyong Motor Co., is participating in an auto show for the first time. The company now plans to start selling the SUV Rexton by the middle of this year while another SUV, Korando C, is expected to follow in 2013.

German auto major Mercedes introduced the new M-Class SUV while Audi AG introduced the Q3 SUV, following the success of models like the Q5 and the Q7 in India. Another German company, BMW AG, stayed away from the bigger utility vehicles and instead chose to introduce the high-performance M5 sedan at Rs.95.9 lakh (ex-showroom) and the iconic hatchback, convertible and Countryman models from its Mini brand.

While Ford had already unveiled its EcoSport SUV on Wednesday, it decided to do it once again in front of a larger crowd. Powered by a 1.0-liter gasoline engine, this vehicle will be produced in the country from the latter part of this year. The new entrant on the block, French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen, explained that while its Sanand plant starts production only in 2014, it may start selling its cars in India ahead of its original target by importing 508 sedan and the RCZ sports car.

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BMW, Delhi Auto Expo 2012, Ford, GM, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Mercedes, MUV, Renault, SUV, Toyota