THE worst is not over for the Auto sector in India, it seems. The high-profile India Auto Expo 2020 is unlikely to attract many due to coronavirus scare.
Many new vehicle launches were scheduled during the expo which will be open to the public from February 7-12 at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida.
The components Show is being held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi from February 6 to 9.
Officials of participating Chinese firms staying away from their exhibit areas in both automobile and components showcase events.
Chinese firms such as Great Wall Motor, First Automotive Works (FAW) and electric bus and battery maker BYD have booked around 20 per cent of the total space of around 40,000 square metres at automobile show of the Auto Expo at Greater Noida.
Besides, Chinese component makers had booked for around 10 per cent of the 56,000 square metre space at the components show.
Automobile industry body SIAM on said all Chinese companies participating at the expo have confirmed that their exhibit area would be manned by their Indian employees.
Auto component makers body ACMA said Chinese participants at the components show of Auto Expo are unable to travel to attend due to the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.
Though around 30 companies from China have confirmed that their stand would be managed by their Indian counterparts.
Normally, there will be a separate section for Chinese companies at Auto Expo.
Auto Expo 2020 was the country’s chance to revive the sector. Sale of automobiles declined almost 15 per cent in India in 2019, the worst in over a decade.
Damian Talbot