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Brake Point
James Bond may not have come, but his car sure did not recieve the kind of response one would have expected. The BMW stall, showcasing among other cars the Z3 Roadster, got a poor lookover as compared to other major names. And it wasn't just the lack of girls, but the general cold-shoulder the exhibitors gave the passers-by and enquirers. In quite a contrast was Fiat's big stall which was thronged by the crowds in spite of a similar, cold response from the organisers. And no not because of girls, but because of a red Ferrari placed strategically. And guess what, maximum queries were not about the import price etc, but for the posters of the dream sports car from the Italian stable.Shake, shake, shake Wanna shake as you drive. Well Dewan Aura Sound Pvt Ltd, floated by a retired Army officer Brigadier Ashok Dewan, is an Indo-American JV which is manufacturing what should bring cheer to many a hearts. Those who have always wanted their car stereo to give that extra something can try out Aura's pro
bass shakers, a futuristic technology. A shaker connected to the woofers is put under the seat of the driver, and when the music is turned on it sends out low-intensity vibrations that also have a therauptic effect, says Dewan. Micro-car misery Is it really a car, is a scooter with car's clothes. And oh yes, just when will it finally come out in the market: people are flummoxed about the Kinetic Micro car. ``Is it made of plastic or fibre class,'' was the most frequently asked question at the Kinetic City stall even as Auto Expo drew to an end. But even before the stall attendant could come up with an audible response, came the next salvo: ``What will happen if the door breaks with an impact?'' Pat came the well-rehearsed reply. ``You just have to replace the damaged panel and the car will be as good as new,'' the attendant retorted. Obviously, he had not bargained for the next one. ``But will you say that for the driver too,'' came the next volley from another seemingly concerned onlooker. And
for a moment, the entire staff was non-plussed as to what to say. But the unkindest cut was yet to follow: ``You start replacing the panels, and someday in the future you should be able to have a brand new car.'' Say what, Kinetic! Auto mania ends today Today, the mela madness comes to an end. Even as AIMA and CII will sit down to calculate the actual business generated, one thing is sure, it was a good carnival for majority of visitors who went stall to stall badgering those maning the stalls for their piece of the pie. Of course, girls were an added attraction. Besides causing nightmares for those who already own motor vehicles, Auto Expo, touted as Asia's largest automotive show, one wonders if it will also help checking the bottomlines of auto companies in India to a more healthy state? The organisers could surely do with some soul-searching and come up with a more improved model in the next century?
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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