Dreams on Wheels

First Day , First Show- Delhi Auto Expo 2012

Lights, Camera , Action...
Glitz -Glamor and Style. Auto Expo 2012 is nothing less than a big budget masala flick.


Walking miles and miles to see splendor of Machines on Wheels can be taxing.
Just a glance at the Beauties.Ahem Ahem..not the models but THE SHOW STOPPERS- THE MIGHTY MACHINES makes all the hard work of journey on feet worthwhile.


There is always a first time, and my first experience to witness total stunners backed with excellent technology was a memorable one.No photos can do justice to any of those machines which sparkle and entice you to look at them. I flirted with not one but many such wonderful machines. It was like all vital stats mentioned upfront for open admiration.The detailing on CC, bhp, torque , shockers etc just make these automobiles so much more desirable. You can differentiate eyes and attitude of Men drooling on technology/machines and the ones just there for cheap thrills.


I am still wondering what good would come from so much exposure of models of Indian and Foreign origins. We have clearly undermined the Power of Dreams on Wheels. The real automobile enthusiast would pay attention to detailing not of the Skinny models but the technology and styling behind the machines. Strangely I did see some grading system in utilization of models as well. Next to all new launches / stunners were no less than eye-opening models pulling more unwanted crowd than appreciated. Spectators scanning women in the spotlight deep down under. Behind their fake smiles one could sense their discomfort.The biggest flipside, those models know nothing about the machines they are standing next to. What a pity!


With nothing in hand and nothing in bank, I do have my wishlist ready for must haves before I die. The best was Harley Davidson. No frills only machines roaring of sheer and absolute stunners. Not a single Harley displayed was any less than the other. A rock band was playing to match with the spirit of Harley. Being    much more than a bike they can be defining the person who owns it. A rarity on road Harley still has more X Factor than any of the high end cars, even the likes of Jaguar. Nontheless its a game of money and bags full of them at that.


For ones who are done with Harleys of the world, welcome to Triumph. No, its not a lingerie brand, Triumph is almost as phenomenal for women as for any bike enthusiast. They have range of bikes which can make your heart skip a beat when you see the Price Tags. Phenomenal bikes at jaw dropping prices.


A point worth noting is that almost all major automobile manufacturers are launching minimum 1-2 models this year. Be it  Scooters launch, a range of SUVs or wonderful small cars. Curious eyes and guessing minds will be kept waiting till the final Press Con happens for all respective Automobile honchos declaring the much awaited launches for 2012. Surprisingly for a year which might see another Depression looming , Auto majors are very positive for the year ahead.


From a ward of Rovers to Cruisers to Fortuners to Maruti Suzuki's Alpha and more , many upgraded models of existing SUVs will flood the Indian markets and test the real waters. Tatas might have ruined the macho look of Safari by introducing its sleeker feminine upgrade Safari Storme.
The automatic transmission of Toyota Fortuner was awaited which is a 4x2 model with another variant with manual transmission which is a 4x4 model with headlamp washers.


However all the classics left me restless. Right from the vintage cars to Classy Gypsy did leave many awe struck. The much awaited BMW Mini (Cooper) was also launched amidst a jam-packed press-con. The luxury hatchback club would widen with Mini joining Beetle and Fiat 500.


Ferraris, Porsche , BMW, Mercedes Benz, Maserati, Jaguar and Audi etc were all out with their four-wheeled gems . The likes of TVS, Honda, Yamaha, Polaris, Hero, Suzuki, Firefox had alot to show-case too the the spectators. Millions of visitors have already witnessed the Year's Moto Extravaganza.


Young men were glued to virtual and video games with a clear "Need for Speed" bug biting them. Rowdy crowds did leave no stone unturned to create an Auto Expo out on the roads, the evening of 6 Jan when all roads to any "Pragati" seemed jammed and blocked. For a city which boasts to be capital of India such severe clogging was as surprising as spotting high profile men and women at the Auto Expo.


I had the pleasure to get a fleeting glance at Rata Tata, Sr Munjal maybe an SRK and Big B , Honchos of all major Auto brands & some prolific editors of Auto mags. And then they said that John Abraham was here, Katrina Kaif and many more. It was a tiring day as A high-heeled and a high headed girl saw her Dreams on Wheels. My list of must owns has even become a little more ambitious than it already was.


Auto expo is like an A list event, where all you can do is window-shopping and as you step out,  you are aware that Technology not only changes lives but inspires us to dream bigger. Its indeed an excellent drive to achieve...Vrooooooooooom. Get Set Go.


PS- I am a person who does not know how to ride a car and has 0 knowledge about the Jargons of the world of Automobiles. This is just an experience which left me richer, even after loosing my wallet and a credit card usage of 15000 bucks not made by me. Guess, Every dark cloud has a silver lining. I lost my wallet but have bigger dream to chase.