SIAM has decided to move the Delhi Auto Expo out of Delhi's Pragati Maidan, due to the overwhelming crowds and dismal crowd management at the last two editions. The move also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the event.
The venue is not the only thing that has changed - the name has been changed to "Auto Expo - the Motor Show 2014", which is quite a mouthful. It will also be split into two separate events, one for automobile manufacturers, and the other for the components industry. The automobile exhibition will be held at the Greater Noida Exposition Mart, while the components exhibition might move to the Buddh International Circuit. Pragati Maidan offers 53580 square metres of built-up area, whereas the Greater Noida Expo Mart offers 27648 square metres currently, with an additional 25000 square metres to be ready and available by 2014.
The other main change is the date of the events - it will be held in February, so as to avoid clashing with other auto shows like the Detroit Motor Show which is also held in January.
Happily, this will also give the Indian Automotive Industry some breathing space as well, since automotive publications traditionally hold their award ceremonies in the first month of the calendar year. We hope that the proposed changes make the Auto Expo - the Motor Show 2014 much more organised and successful.