NEW DELHI: India’s biennial auto show kicks-off this week and is set to be dominated by Chinese carmakers showcasing cutting-edge electric vehicles and connected cars — but with booths notably staffed only by Indian employees and representatives.
With the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in China nearing 500, and with cases of the disease spreading across the globe, organizers of the show are reassuring visitors that officials arriving from China will not be in attendance.
“There will be no visitors or delegations from China at the Motor Show 2020,” Rajan Wadhera, president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) — which is organizing the show — said in a statement on Tuesday.
Chinese companies had confirmed their booths would be staffed by Indian representatives or employees, he said.
Chinese automakers SAIC Motor Corp, Great Wall Motor and FAW Haima are set to showcase cars including electric vehicles, while over 300 Chinese autoparts companies are also due to participate in the show.
With India this week identifying a third positive case of the virus in the country, SIAM has also printed advice for visitors and set up an on-site first aid facility in partnership with a local hospital.
The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), which is organizing a parallel exhibition for autoparts companies, said visitors from China would not be attending its event either late on Tuesday, and that displays of some 30 Chinese exhibitors would also be staffed by Indian representatives as a precaution.
Chinese auto firms have been working to woo Indian buyers with internet connected cars, filling a breach left by Western and Japanese manufacturers including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor, none of which will participate in this year’s show.
They also hope India’s market can help combat slowing sales in China, which fell 8 percent in 2019 and are set to decline again in 2020.
Suzuki Motor Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. have long dominated India’s market with low-priced compact cars, and have in recent years expanded into other categories.
Chinese automakers do not plan to compete in the entry-level segment, instead appealing to drivers with in-car technology, safety features and clean energy vehicles.
Great Wall, which is making its India debut at the show, intended to bring over 100 delegates but all have canceled, including the president, a local executive said.
“The first and most important thing is the safety of people. Once this situation is taken care of, our senior executives will come to India,” said Director of Marketing and Sales Hardeep Brar.