Bharat Mobility Auto Expo 2025: From The Eyes of a Researcher

The excitement of the holiday season, after a long tiring year of 2024, had just started to set in. With Christmas and New year around the corner and 2 weeks to approved leave in the bank, I had already started dreaming of taking on the road with my old (but not out) Café Racer. It was time to dust off the riding suit, get all the gear in place and begin a long-due solo ride – a ride I have been waiting to happen.

With all the excitement bubbling and the itinerary set, the phone starts beeping with an unexpected client call. Well, you can’t turn down those – ‘Client First’ is a value deep ingrained somewhere! Geared with an answer “Let me put you in touch with my team”, the call was picked and what I thought would be a 2 mins conversation lasted good 30 mins!

What happened to “Let me put you blah blah”? Well, the call was about prospective research to be conducted at the Auto Expo 2025. OK, Interesting! But then it unravelled to be about A concept that is ‘confidential…confidential…and confidential’ – Well, ok…You got me hooked!

“Let me put you blah blah” had turned into “Let’s connect. I will get key people on the call”. A few internal calls and an hour later, we were in an entranced discussion sorting research mechanics. An agile collaboration allowed for a formal proposal to be rolled out by EOD, injecting another shot of excitement, this time imagining myself at the Auto Expo. The day had been quite dreamy, overall!

One week of solo ride, a stiff back and a few rum-soaked cakes later, leave was over, and work was waiting for a tight bear hug. But no complains, I was already on the way to the Auto Expo, well, Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, to be precise, excited to see what was the biggest Automotive Expo, the country had to offer this year!

We were set to be at the Bharat Mandapam on the Media Day and even though we had Media Day passes in place, there were huge queues on a few gates equipped with body scanners, bag scanners, etc. One team was managing a staggered inflow of people through these guarded gates. Standing in the queue, I could see the entire Indian demographics, it was like watching a huge sample size right in front of your eyes – across genders, age groups (kids included) and different socio-economic classes.

Through the gates now, we started walking towards the main mandapam, and it seemed that the expo was turning into a weekend walkathon already! I knew for a fact that I chose a wrong set of shoes for the day. As my mind wandered to ‘should I take a foot massage tonight’, the aroma of piping hot chole-bhature brought me back to senses. The staple food of Delhi (after momos, of course) was being devoured passionately at an over-crowded food stall, people sitting/ standing wherever they could, balancing their loaded plates. From “yaar chole ke saath waala aachaar badhiya hai” to “Thank god they have a Starbucks here”, the
food court was a mini-Delhi in itself!

Were the variety of food brands outside the halls telling a story of what I will find inside? A mix of all major national and international brands catering to the varied and evolving needs and purchasing power of Indians? Well, the Indian market is hot, just like the chole-bhature on my plate!

While walking towards our pre-decided catch-up point, a familiar sound my caught attention. The sound of Drifting! Are they drifting here? At the Auto Expo? Well, yes! Few steps ahead, a few BMW M5’s were burning tyres and drifting in circles and 8’s, one after another! It had definitely picked the crowd attention, and I could hear a few things in the crowd – “Yeh toh bawaal hai”, “Bhai transporter waala hero yahi gaadi chalata hai”. Just hearing these reactions triggered a few thoughts – the obvious one, Movies and Pop-Culture have such an impact on Automobiles segment (hero BMW chalata hai) and a quirky thought, can international brands market using local lingo, maybe device a way to still make it sound sophisticated…. #BMW – Bawaal Machane Waala performance!

Post the drifting thrill, we also drifted towards the main halls to meet my fellow teammates. And each one of them, had a pointer to add on the Expo (every researcher has a POV, isn’t it?). I was able to pick up a few pointers which were the ‘firsts’ with respect to the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

1. Inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi: On January 17, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the expo, highlighting the government’s unwavering dedication to fostering innovation and expansion within the mobility industry.
2. Technological and Sustainable Advancements: With over 1,500 exhibitors and 239 product launches, the event showcased significant technological and sustainable advancements. The Auto Expo Motor Show unveiled 90 vehicles, predominantly electric, alongside models powered by flex-fuel and other alternative powertrains.
3. Inclusive Access: For the first time, the event offered free entry to all visitors, a strategic move that significantly increased visitor turnout and footfalls and contributed to the event's resounding success. We love freebies!
4. Landmark Collaborations: A standout moment was the unprecedented collaboration between Hyundai (4W brand) and TVS (2W brand), introducing E3W and E4W concepts, epitomizing the spirit of borderless innovation.

As I was moving around with my peers in the Expo, the spectacle of innovations that underscored a robust momentum towards green mobility was hard to miss. This year's focus on electric vehicles (EVs) highlighted the zenith of the EV trend in India. Cutting-edge advancements in electric mobility prominently featured, emphasizing the country’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. The event was truly serving as a pivotal platform for showcasing India’s leadership in transitioning towards eco-friendly and energy- efficient mobility options.

The plethora of brands, Indian and International, catering to the EV spectacle were awe inspiring. From Hyundai's Creta EV to Maruti's e-Vitara, the key theme was the increasing focus of OEMs on developing cost-competitive, mass-market electric vehicles (EVs). Hyundai launched the Creta EV, Maruti Suzuki spotlighted its first EV, the e-Vitara, and Tata showcased electric versions of its popular SUVs—the Safari and the Harrier. MG Motor introduced the lifestyle EV “The Cyberster,” while Kia’s EV6, a high-performance electric crossover, and Toyota's Urban Cruiser BEV and X Van concepts were also highlights. Moreover, Lexus, Isuzu, SML Isuzu, BMW, BYD, and Skoda ViaSat’s each unveiled innovative EVs, showcasing a commitment to revolutionizing mobility. India Debut: Vietnamese automaker VinFast marked its entry into the Indian market with the showcase of its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs.

It was fun to see how consumers along with their full families were attending the Expo and the younger generation got to experience the innovation first hand by actually being inside the vehicle on the Media Day. Just I was thinking that EV revolution is for real now, my friends dragged me to show another set of innovation. I was shocked to see a prominent range of flex-fuel vehicle launches, reflecting the automotive industry's dedication to versatile and eco-friendly powertrain options. These vehicles, designed to efficiently operate on gasoline and ethanol blends, significantly reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner air. This flexibility not only contributes to a greener future, but also supports the utilization of locally produced ethanol, enhancing energy security and benefiting agricultural sectors. The introduction of flex-fuel vehicles aligns with India's broader strategic goals of achieving energy independence and fostering sustainable transportation solutions.

Some of the examples of flex fuel launches which we were discussing all the way in the Expo spanned across 4W and 2W categories.

4-Wheeler Passenger Cars

• Hyundai Creta Flex Fuel: A prototype of the Creta Flex Fuel was on display at the expo. It can run on fuel blends of up to 100% ethanol.
• Mahindra XUV 3XO Flex Fuel: Can run on ethanol blended fuel up to 85%.
• Tata Punch Flex Fuel: A modified version of the Tata Punch that can run on fuel with up to 100% ethanol.

2-Wheelers

• Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Flex Fuel: A flex-fuel bike that can run on ethanol-blended fuels
• TVS Raider 125 FFT: A flex-fuel bike that can run on ethanol-blended fuels
• Honda CB 300F Flex Fuel: A flex-fuel bike that can run on fuel blends of up to 85% ethanol

The things didn’t stop at Flex Fuel, CNG was also being viewed as the fuel for passenger mobility through the 2-Wheeler segment. TVS Motor Company showcased the world's first CNG scooter, the Jupiter 125 CNG at Auto Expo 2025. The TVS Jupiter CNG 125 was showcased as a concept and is based on the standard Jupiter 125.

And just to top things up - the much-anticipated Vayve Eva, India's first solar-powered electric car, has finally been launched at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Eva marks a big step towards eco-friendly urban mobility.

Further enhancing the allure of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, several innovative concept cars made their debut, capturing the imagination of attendees. Tata Motors unveiled the production-spec Harrier EV, alongside the near-production-spec Sierra, both reflecting the company's forward-thinking approach to sustainable mobility. Meanwhile, Kia captivated the audience with the introduction of the facelifted EV6, a testament to their commitment to high-performance electric crossovers, and the opulent Carnival Hi Limousine, which epitomizes luxury and comfort. These concept cars not only showcased cutting-edge design and technology but also underscored the industry's relentless pursuit of redefining the future of mobility.

My POV on Bharat Mobility Auto Expo 2025
The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 embodied India's transformative vision and leadership in the global mobility landscape, setting a benchmark for future innovation and sustainability.

The expo not only highlighted India's commitment to pioneering green technologies and sustainable transportation solutions, but also showcased its strategic role in fostering international collaboration and innovation.

1. Pioneering Sustainable Mobility: The expo underlined India's dedication to redefining transportation through eco-friendly initiatives. By focusing on electric vehicles (EVs) and flex-fuel technologies, India is taking decisive steps to reduce carbon emissions and advance sustainable energy solutions, positioning itself as a leader in the global shift towards greener mobility.
2. Innovation and Strategic Collaborations: The event served as a catalyst for innovation, with landmark partnerships, such as the collaboration between Hyundai and TVS, highlighting the potential for cross-industry synergies to drive cutting-edgemobility solutions. These partnerships epitomize the spirit of borderless innovation that the expo sought to promote.
3. Momentum Towards Green Energy: The expo's emphasis on green technology was evident in the diverse array of EVs and flex-fuel vehicles introduced. This momentum reflected a broader commitment to embracing alternative energy solutions, showcasing India's proactive approach to achieving energy independence and environmental sustainability.
4. Diverse Energy Pathways: The presentation of various alternative energy solutions, including hydrogen, LNG, and CNG, illustrated a comprehensive approach to sustainable mobility. This diversity of options highlighted India's holistic strategy to address energy challenges and enhance its environmental resilience.
5. Inclusivity and Public Engagement: By offering free entry, the expo democratized access to groundbreaking mobility innovations, fostering a more inclusive dialogue on the future of transportation. This strategic move not only increased attendance but also broadened public engagement in the mobility discourse.

Conclusion
As the industry transitions towards electric and alternative fuel vehicles, and with the Indian EV market projected to grow eightfold by 2030, the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 provided a vision of a future powered by sustainable mobility solutions. The major takeaway was the growing number of OEMs focused on developing cost-competitive, mass-market EVs, comparably priced to conventional equivalents. This event truly set the stage for a new era in mobility, driven by innovation and a commitment to a sustainable future. As I said earlier, the Indian market is as hot as the chole-bhature being served at the Expo!

Piyush Mungle is Associate Director at Ipsos India. Views expressed are the author's personal.