LEAD-IN:

The ongoing Zika virus emergency has forced one Indian auto maker into rebranding a hatchback it was previously planning to call 'Zica'.

A host of international auto makers - including Chevrolet, Toyota and Jaguar - are showcasing concept cars and latest models at the 2016 India Auto Expo.

STORY-LINE:

Kick start your engines, the 2016 India Auto Expo is go.

In Greater Noida on the outskirts of Delhi, both Indian and international car makers are showcasing their latest models, concepts and hybrid variants for expectant crowds.

The Auto Expo is one of the largest motor shows in Asia, attracting thousands of car enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of the latest in automobile innovation.

General Motors brand Chevrolet is showcasing its 'Beat Activ' concept car.

A youthful and perhaps great-valued vehicle should it ever go into production, according to Chevrolet's Tim Mahoney.

"The vehicle in many ways reflects kind of the DNA of Chevrolet," he says.

"It gets really great styling, it's really youthful. I think it has a performance aspect to it because of the soft roader appeal. And also we expect if it were to really go, really great value that it could offer."

Chevrolet is also showcasing its 'Essentia' which it plans to launch in India next year.

Mahoney, Global Chevrolet's chief marketing officer, says India is one of its top ten markets in the world.

The US carmaker plans to bring ten new vehicles to the country in the next five years.

"Chevrolet is sold in 115 markets around the world but India's really in our top ten," he says.

"It's a priority market for us. Lots of potential. And you can see it here our investment in the stand, in the display, the products that we're bringing.

"We plan to bring over the next five years, ten new products to market here in India."

Luxury carmaker Jaguar invited Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif to launch its new sports saloon, the Jaguar XE. It's priced at over $57,000 USD in the Indian market.

A range of luxury cars built to satisfy the county's growing pool of super-rich motoring enthusiasts are also on display, including this Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Range Rover SUV.

The undisputed leader of India's auto market, Maruti Suzuki, is launching its new compact SUV - the Vitara Brezza.

It's powered by a Diesel Direct Injection System (DDiS) engine. Though the vehicle will initially be available in diesel, the company also plans to launch a petrol version.

"The young customer, the third generation customer, who is considering his car as an extension of his personality, he likes to have this kind of aggressive, bold and energetic features, and that kind of stance we have provided in this vehicle," says Randhir Singh Kalsi from Maruti Suzuki India.

Earlier this year, India's Supreme Court continued its ban on registration of certain new diesel vehicles in Delhi until March 31.

That came as bad news for car makers Mercedes, Toyota and General Motors who petitioned against the ban.

With its unique shape and new hybrid engine, concept race car the Toyota TS030 Hybrid is getting lots of attention.

Though hybrid cars aren't popular in the Indian market, the influx of hybrid concepts and engines here suggests there'll be growth in that sector in years to come.

The World Health Organisation recently (1 February 2016) declared a global emergency over the explosive spread of the Zika virus, linked to birth defects in the Americas.

The ongoing emergency is even having an impact here at the auto show with India's Tata Motors being forced to rebrand a new hatchback vehicle it was previously planning to call 'Zica'.

Despite being unveiled here at the event with 'Zica' branding, Tata Motors senior official, Girish Wagh, says they plan not to use the name and will announce a new one in the coming weeks.

According to Wagh, Zica is an abbreviation of 'Zippy Car'.

"What we have made is a car which is meant for the youth of the country. It's a very zippy car, very good to drive around in the city, therefore we had named it as Zica," he says.

"However, you know this virus Zika has also come up and is kind of taking a shape of an epidemic so we are taking cognisance of that fact.

"We empathise with all those who have been suffering due to this and taking a call on this. Therefore, we have decided to change the name of the car."

Most cars sold in India have price tags of under $8,000 USD.

But global manufacturers are optimistic.

They say with an expanding middle class and growing urbanisation, there are long term prospects for growth in the Indian market.

Though the motor show opens to the public Friday (5 February), members of the media were invited for an advance press preview.

LEAD-IN:

The ongoing Zika virus emergency has forced one Indian auto maker into rebranding a hatchback it was previously planning to call 'Zica'.

A host of international auto makers - including Chevrolet, Toyota and Jaguar - are showcasing concept cars and latest models at the 2016 India Auto Expo.

STORY-LINE:

Kick start your engines, the 2016 India Auto Expo is go.

In Greater Noida on the outskirts of Delhi, both Indian and international car makers are showcasing their latest models, concepts and hybrid variants for expectant crowds.

The Auto Expo is one of the largest motor shows in Asia, attracting thousands of car enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of the latest in automobile innovation.

General Motors brand Chevrolet is showcasing its 'Beat Activ' concept car.

A youthful and perhaps great-valued vehicle should it ever go into production, according to Chevrolet's Tim Mahoney.

"The vehicle in many ways reflects kind of the DNA of Chevrolet," he says.

"It gets really great styling, it's really youthful. I think it has a performance aspect to it because of the soft roader appeal. And also we expect if it were to really go, really great value that it could offer."

Chevrolet is also showcasing its 'Essentia' which it plans to launch in India next year.

Mahoney, Global Chevrolet's chief marketing officer, says India is one of its top ten markets in the world.

The US carmaker plans to bring ten new vehicles to the country in the next five years.

"Chevrolet is sold in 115 markets around the world but India's really in our top ten," he says.

"It's a priority market for us. Lots of potential. And you can see it here our investment in the stand, in the display, the products that we're bringing.

"We plan to bring over the next five years, ten new products to market here in India."

Luxury carmaker Jaguar invited Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif to launch its new sports saloon, the Jaguar XE. It's priced at over $57,000 USD in the Indian market.

A range of luxury cars built to satisfy the county's growing pool of super-rich motoring enthusiasts are also on display, including this Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Range Rover SUV.

The undisputed leader of India's auto market, Maruti Suzuki, is launching its new compact SUV - the Vitara Brezza.

It's powered by a Diesel Direct Injection System (DDiS) engine. Though the vehicle will initially be available in diesel, the company also plans to launch a petrol version.

"The young customer, the third generation customer, who is considering his car as an extension of his personality, he likes to have this kind of aggressive, bold and energetic features, and that kind of stance we have provided in this vehicle," says Randhir Singh Kalsi from Maruti Suzuki India.

Earlier this year, India's Supreme Court continued its ban on registration of certain new diesel vehicles in Delhi until March 31.

That came as bad news for car makers Mercedes, Toyota and General Motors who petitioned against the ban.

With its unique shape and new hybrid engine, concept race car the Toyota TS030 Hybrid is getting lots of attention.

Though hybrid cars aren't popular in the Indian market, the influx of hybrid concepts and engines here suggests there'll be growth in that sector in years to come.

The World Health Organisation recently (1 February 2016) declared a global emergency over the explosive spread of the Zika virus, linked to birth defects in the Americas.

The ongoing emergency is even having an impact here at the auto show with India's Tata Motors being forced to rebrand a new hatchback vehicle it was previously planning to call 'Zica'.

Despite being unveiled here at the event with 'Zica' branding, Tata Motors senior official, Girish Wagh, says they plan not to use the name and will announce a new one in the coming weeks.

According to Wagh, Zica is an abbreviation of 'Zippy Car'.

"What we have made is a car which is meant for the youth of the country. It's a very zippy car, very good to drive around in the city, therefore we had named it as Zica," he says.

"However, you know this virus Zika has also come up and is kind of taking a shape of an epidemic so we are taking cognisance of that fact.

"We empathise with all those who have been suffering due to this and taking a call on this. Therefore, we have decided to change the name of the car."

Most cars sold in India have price tags of under $8,000 USD.

But global manufacturers are optimistic.

They say with an expanding middle class and growing urbanisation, there are long term prospects for growth in the Indian market.

Though the motor show opens to the public Friday (5 February), members of the media were invited for an advance press preview.

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India - 3 February 2016

1. Wide of media waiting for unveiling of Chevrolet's concept car 'Beat Activ' at 2016 Auto Expo near New Delhi

2. Wide of unveiling of Chevrolet Beat Activ concept car and photographers taking pictures

3. Various of Chevrolet Beat Activ concept car

4. Various of Chevrolet Beat Activ concept car interior

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Tim Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer Global Chevrolet and Global General Motors Marketing Operations Leader:

"The vehicle in many ways reflects kind of the DNA of Chevrolet. It gets really great styling, it's really youthful. I think it has a performance aspect to it because of the soft roader appeal. And also we expect if it were to really go, really great value that it could offer."

6. Mid of Chevrolet Essentia on display

7. Various of people sitting in Chevrolet Essentia

8. Various of Chevrolet Corvette on display

9. Various of Chevrolet Trailblazer on display

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Tim Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer Global Chevrolet and Global General Motors Marketing Operations Leader:

"Chevrolet is sold in 115 markets around the world but India's really in our top ten. It's a priority market for us. Lots of potential. And you can see it here our investment in the stand, in the display, the products that we're bringing. We plan to bring over the next five years, ten new products to market here in India."

11. Wide of Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif launching the Jaguar XE sports saloon

12. Close of Jaguar logo

13. Mid of Katrina Kaif and Jaguar XE sports saloon

14. Various of Range Rover

15. Various of Maruti Suzuki's Vitara Brezza being unveiled at motor show

15. Various of Maruti Suzuki's Vitara Brezza exterior and interior

16. Close of Maruti Suzuki's logo on Vitara Brezza

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Randhir Singh Kalsi, Executive Director Maruti Suzuki India:

"The young customer, the third generation customer, who is considering his car as an extension of his personality, he likes to have this kind of aggressive, bold and energetic features, and that kind of stance we have provided in this vehicle."

18. Pan right of Toyota stand at motor show

19. Close of Toyota TS030 Hybrid on display

20. Wide of motor show floor

21. Wide of Audi Prologue concept on display

22. Wide of Nissan stand

23. Wide of Nissan X-Trail on display with photographers taking pictures of engine

24. Mid of Nissan hybrid engine on display

25. Wide of Nissan X-Trail rear

26. Various of Renault R.S. 01 sports car on display

27. Tilt up to woman posing with Renault Eolab hybrid concept car

28. Close of Renault Eolab wheel

29. Various of Renault Eolab interior and exterior

30. Wide of BMW's R nineT (left) and BMW S 1000 XR (right) on display at BMW stand

31. Tilt down of BMW R nineT

32. Wide of Mahindra's stand at 2016 Auto Expo

33. Wide of visitor standing on modified Mahindra Thar

34. Close of off-road tyres installed on modified Mahindra Thar

35. Wide of unveiling of Tata Motors' Zica and Hexa models

36. Close of Tata Motors' Zica after unveiling

37. Wide of Tata Motors Chairman Cyrus Mistry (left) and Tim Leverton, Head of Tata Engineering and Research Development (right), posing for photographers with recently unveiled Tata Zica

38. SOUNDBITE (English) Girish Wagh, Program Planning and Project Management Passenger Vehicles, Tata Motors:

"What we have made is a car which is meant for the youth of the country. It's a very zippy car, very good to drive around in the city, therefore we had named it as Zica. However, you know this virus Zika has also come up and is kind of taking a shape of an epidemic, so we are taking cognisance of that fact. We empathise with all those who have been suffering due to this and taking a call on this. Therefore, we have decided to change the name of the car."

39. Various of 1970 Datson Bluebird 1600 SSS on display at Datsun stand

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Frankfurt, Germany - September 14, 2011

1. Mid of row of Smart electric cars plugged into recharging points

2. Mid side shot of Smart "electric drive"

3. Close of battery charger, zoom out to rear of Smart electric drive

4. Mid of prototype carbon chassis of Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

5. Mid front three quarters of acid green Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

6. Mid, low angle of Mercedes B-Class F-Cell

7. Mid, side view of Mercedes B-Class F-Cell

8. Cutaway of Dieter Zetsche, CEO Mercedes-Benz, speaking to journalist

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Dieter Zetsche, CEO, Mercedes-Benz:

"We will start with a significantly higher volume of production in 2014 and we foresee in the year 2016, at the latest 17, to accomplish a cost position which is equal or similar to Diesel Hybrid. So within these five to six years we are not only technically but economically fully competitive with this new drive-train as well."

10. Mid of Mercedes B-Class F-Cell, hydrogen fuel pump in foreground

11. Close of recharging station pull out to Porsche Boxster E

12. Close low angle of Porsche Boxster E as visitor opens door

13. Wide of Volkswagen "up!" logo

14. Wide of Volkswagen "up!" cars on stand

15. Mid of white Volkswagen "up!", pull out to wide

16. Mid rear of Volkswagen concept "up!" Azzurra beach car

17. Mid rear of Volkswagen single passenger concept "Nils"

18. Close of Volkswagen concept "Nils"

19. SOUNDBITE (German) Dr. Natascha K�nstner, Volkswagen Research and Development:

"Nils" is a concept car by VW Research and it focuses on micro-mobility, that is to say, urban mobility. It is a single-passenger vehicle, because studies have shown that 70 percent of commuters drive less than 25 kilometres to work, and that 90 percent drive by themselves. That is why it is a single-passenger concept."

20. Close pan right of Volkswagen concept "Nils"

21. Wide of Volkswagen concept "Nils"

22. Close pan right of Audi "urban concept"

23. Close of grille of BMW i8 concept, pull to wide

24. Mid of BMW i8 concept, rotating on stand

25. Mid of BMW i8 concept interior

26. Wide of Rimac Automobili "concept one"

27. Mid of concept one interior

28. SOUNDBITE (Croatian) Mate Rimac, automotive designer and founder of Rimac Automobili:

"Frankfurt Motor Show is the biggest automobile exhibition in the world and we have come here to present our concept. The whole industry is here and our aim is to network and present our work looking at its best."

29. Close of battery block used in Rimac Automobili "concept one"

30. Wide of Rimac Automobili "concept one"

31. Wide of Toyota Prius stand

32. Close of Lithium-ion battery as used in Toyota Prius+, pull out to mid of battery and Prius+ in background

33. Close of Lithium-ion battery, pull out to mid of chassis and wheel

34. Close of Hybrid Synergy Drive engine, pull out to Prius+

Frankfurt, Germany - September 13, 2011

35. Mid side shot of Renault Twizy concept

36. Close pan left of recharging station plug to hooked-up recharger in front side of Renault Twizy concept

37. Wide of Renault Twizy concept

38. Mid of Renault Scenic, with pink vintage Renault in background

39. Close of side of Renault Scenic, reading: 115g/km CO2, Renault eco2

LEAD IN:

The Frankfurt Motor Show is the biggest in the world and is the place to see what tomorrow''s cars today - from zany concept cars to hi-tech hydrogen fuel technology.

There''s no need for a crystal ball, here''s what the car makers think we will be driving in the future.

STORYLINE:

Is this what the garage of the future looks like? A line up of cars plugged into power sockets.

Urban car maker Smart certainly thinks so.

The future drives into town at this year''s IAA Frankfurt Motor Show with manufacturers showing off the latest innovations in hybrid and electric-powered vehicles.

These Smart cars have ditched their traditional one-litre petrol engines for a Tesla lithium-ion battery pack.

These near-production models show what the cars will look like when they hit showrooms in the second quarter of 2012.

The battery has a range of nearly 90 miles and the car has a top speed of 75mph.

Smart is boasting a sprightly performance of 0-40 mph in around five seconds.

At Mercedes, the SLS AMG E-Cell is on display in bright acid green, packing 533 horsepower this fully electric vehicle. Mercedes claim acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds. Enough to embarrass most gas-guzzling, petrol-powered sports cars away from the lights.

The B-Class F-Cell (fuel cell) runs from another power source altogether - hydrogen.

It has been produced in a limited edition of just 200 units, for select customers. To prove the hydrogen concept works, the cars was driven around the world on all five continents

Mercedes-Benz CEO Dieter Zetsche believes sales of hydrogen vehicles will soon match those of diesel hybrids:

"We will start with a significantly higher volume of production in 2014 and we foresee in the year 2016, at the latest 17, to accomplish a cost position which is equal or similar to Diesel Hybrid. So within these five to six years we are not only technically but economically fully competitive with this new drive-train as well."

On the Volkswagen stand, a new four-seater urban model called the "up!" is attracting attention.

The German car maker is calling the class a New Small Family car.

The basic version comes with a one-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine capable of either 60 or 75bhp.

The Volkswagen "up!" starts at an affordable 9,850 Euros (USD 13,642).

Along with the release of the "up!", which is intended for mass production, several concept studies are on show, including the "up! Azzurra", conceived as a ''beach car''.

Volkswagen is also showing off its single-passenger study "Nils", focusing on urban mobility and single commuters.

Dr. Natascha K�nstner, Volkswagen Research and Development says: "Nils" is a concept car by VW Research and it focuses on micro-mobility, that is to say, urban mobility. It is a single-passenger vehicle, because studies have shown that 70 percent of commuters drive less than 25 kilometres to work, and that 90 percent drive by themselves. That is why it is a single-passenger concept."

Audi has come up with its own similar one-seater study called "urban concept".

It comes with a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis with 21-inch wheels covered by protective plates. A sliding canopy provides access to the car, much like a fighter jet.

At BMW, the "i8" plug-in hybrid concept was all the rage.

It''s a sports car capable of 0-60mph in four and a half seconds and with a top-speed of 155mph.

The four seater "i8" combines an electric motor with a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 220bhp.

The world''s biggest automotive manufacturers are here, but so are some of the smallest, but they don''t lack ambition.

Croatian up-and-coming automotive designer Mate Rimac presented his "concept one" sports car.

According to Rimac, it is the most powerful fully electric performance vehicle in the world packing a white-knuckle 1,088bhp.

He says: "Frankfurt Motor Show is the biggest automobile exhibition in the world and we have come here to present our concept. The whole industry is here and our aim is to network and present our work looking at its best."

The idea for his car came after the team converted an old BMW into a superfast electric race car. Rimac Automobili "concept one" is the result.

At Toyota, holding the majority of patents in hybrid technology, changes to the popular Prius series were presented.

Toyota managed to add an optional third row of seating in its Prius+ due to innovations in making the lithium batteries it uses lighter and smaller.

At Renault, which is on the forefront of affordable hybrid and electric models, the fully electric one-seater study "Twizy" was presented.

The Frankfurt Motor Show continues until September 25, 2011.