Concepts that are india bound
1) Maruti Suzuki’s A-starAuto show debut: Delhi Auto expo, January 2008
Why it’s special: designed by Maruti Suzuki India
When are they going to make it? October 2008
A-Star Concept is the fifth model in Suzuki’s world strategy for long-term growth. A-Star Concept is an A-segment five-door hatchback and it reflects the Suzuki’s focus on world-class environmental compatibility and comfort and will show some of the forthcoming model’s design themes.Concept A-Star is the first concept car in which designers from Maruti Suzuki India’s research and development division have been involved from the initial stage of its styling.Maruti Suzuki is emerging as a global manufacturing hub for Suzuki operations worldwide. The next level of commitment will be evident in R & D, with a vision to make Maruti Suzuki the R & D hub for automobiles in Asia. Concept A-Star is a decisive step forward in that direction,” a statement from Maruti Udyog said.The Concept A-Star is, in fact, the precursor to Maruti Suzuki’s global compact car that will be launched in the future.
2) Volkswagen UP!
Auto show debut: Detroit, January
why it’s special: rear engine,space
When are they going to make it? 2009
The up! is a city specialist, a car for four persons and all languages, for the job, the university and the excursion outside the city gates. A small car that shows a lot of size, because it offers more space than any other car of similar length (3.45 meters) and width (1.63 meters). Its engine – conceivable here are all facets of technology that can be sensibly applied – will run in the rear. And that changes everything: Space, mood and design.Walter de Silva, Chief Designer of the Volkswagen group, sums it up like this: “The up! is not a car whose form will become obsolete within a very brief period of time. It shines in its cleverness and yet is made with loving care. And so the up! is a clear and strong statement for future Volkswagen design.”
3) Chevrolet BeatAuto show debut: Detroit, January
Why it’s special: Tiny size, youthful appeal
When are they going to make it? 2009
The Chevy Beat is one of a trio of small concept cars aimed at young buyers interested in tiny, front-drive cars with a small, four-cylinder engine; and with expressive styling; high-tech electronic features (especially the stereo); and which are built to allow for a high degree of customization. The other two Chevy concepts are the Groove, a tiny, four-door panel truck; and the Trax, a midget SUV. Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager, said that of the three the Beat got the most positive consumer feedback based on thousands of online visits to a dedicated Web site and as a result, at the LosAngeles show Chevy announced it would be putting the Beat in production by mid-2009.