The greener version of the Auto Expo went off well with the world leader Toyota striking the string with its Prius. Costing Rs26.55lakh, it is delivered with Toyota Hybrid System II having 3 modes –power, eco and electric. Prius, though second after Honda Civic Hybrid, is to testify its credentials unlike Civic. Prius comes with the company’s hope of pining the aspiring green Indian consumers.
Toyota and Honda had their long time run to launch the hybrid version on account of heavy duties slashed by the government, thereby making the cost of car on the increase. Other displays in hybrid concept versions in the Expo are from Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland (Hypus-slated for Commonwealth games)), Volvo(a CNG bus and is in negotiations with two governments), Hyundai, GM ( Chevrolet Spark ). This is powered by the battery provided by Reva Electric Bangalore. Tata Motors’ 35-seater bus Starbus is a CNG/electric low-floor hybrid; one more green truck LPT 16 13 CNG.
The hybrid version in bus sector is the first ever in auto industry, said an official from Ashok Leyland. Under two wheeler sector TVS has displayed two concepts at the Expo which includes an electric scooter TVS Qube 2.0