New Delhi: The fact that the automobile is no longer simply a mode of conveyance, but offers limitless opportunity as well was made evident by the presence of over 16 French companies in the French pavilion at the 9th Auto expo in New Delhi.

Participating for the first time at the Auto Expo, Bernard Niel, representative of Alsace Internationale, facilitators and consultants, have already got from the various business visitors. ''Earlier we just used to visit the Auto Expo but seeing the barrage of general public we decided to put our stall this year. The response has been terrific.''

For instance the joint venture between Mahindra and Mahindra and Renault has been exceptionally encouraging for various other French companies, which already felt that India has a great potential for trade and an incredible Economic Dynamism.

Participating companies included Faurecia, the world number 1 in cockpits, instrument panels, centre consoles, engine cooling systems, front-end modules and carriers having €3.5 billion in total sales and a business spread to over 15 countries.

Fouteen others including Allio, Ateliers Des Janves, Clemessy, Danielson and Dourdin, Electricfil, GNFA, Interlogistics, Lohr, Mecafilter and Macaplast, MGI Coutier, Protechnic, Sneci and UBI France and Less Mission Economiques were very optimistic regarding the opportunities for their countries.

A spokesperson from Protechnic said that they had already struck a few deals with M-Tech Innovations, Hero Honda as well as Walter pack, and that they were looking forward to many such deals.