Chennai: More than the presence of India’s three major two-wheeler manufacturers (Hero Honda, TVS Motor Company and Bajaj Auto) at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Auto Focus 2002 show, the absence of all the Chennai-based carmakers (Hindustan Motors, Ford India and Hyundai Motor India) was conspicuous.

Incidentally, Telco, Swaraj Mazda, Ashok Leyland and Bajaj Tempo are some of the manufacturers who have taken space in the show. Curiously, the day on which Auto Focus 2002 was inaugurated, Hyundai Motor India introduced Accent CRDi (common rail direct injection), a diesel variant to its Accent model. The new engine was developed by the Korean parent company Hyundai Motor in association with Detroit Diesel, a DaimlerChrysler company.

Similarly, at a time when the state government is planning to brand Tamil Nadu as the base for quality producers, the Deming Award-winning companies Sundaram Brake Linings and Sundaram Fasteners, which have won several supplier awards from General Motors, USA, were absent. However, another Deming Award-winning company Sundaram Clayton is showcasing its products.

CII, which faced lots of flak from the exhibitors of Connect 2002, the IT sector exhibition held in September 2002, this time has decided to give a lot of publicity to the auto show. Avoiding the mistake of not having separate time for business visitors during Connect 2002, which resulted in huge student turnout throughout the four days, CII this time has decided to allow the general public only after 3.30 pm, reserving three hours for business visitors.