A reporter from CNBC TV18 is reporting the news about Hyundai Motor's newstrategy in India at Delhi Auto Show 2016 which kicked off in New DelhiWednesday./ Photographed by Ha Man-joo

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By Ha Man-joo, India correspondent, AsiaToday - The Delhi Auto Show 2016 kicked off at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida on Wednesday. A visible theme at this year's show was the proliferation of SUVs. In addition, luxury SUVs aimed at new consumers who are accumulating wealth due to rapid economic growth, garnered attention.

India's two major carmakers Hyundai Motor India and Maruti Suzuki unveiled Tucson SUV and Vitara Brezza, respectively. Hyundai also showcased 'Carlino', a concept SUV. Through this, Hyundai Motor plans to complete its SUV lineup along with compact SUV Creta and Santa Fe. 

(Left to Right) Kwon Moon-sik, Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman and itsResearch & Development head; Koo Young-ki, Hyundai Motor India ManagingDirector; Rakesh Srivastava, Hyundai Motor India SVP (Sales & Marketing);Ahn Min-sik, minister of Embassy of the Republic of Korea / Photographed by HaMan-joo

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The showcase of Hyundai Motor's Tucsan and Maruti Suzuki's Vitara Brezza was like a declaration of war against each other. Tucsan is Hyundai Motor's strategic model to maintain its India's SUV market, while Vitara Brezza is Maruti Suzuki's new weapon against Creta. Unlike other 51 models' showcase events that took place in the afternoon, both Tucson and Vitara were revealed in the morning, proving rivalry between the two companies.

Maruti Suzuki CEO and MD Kenichi Ayukawa at Delhi Auto Show

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The two companies showed clear distinction in their exhibition strategy. Hyundai Motor India showcased Vision Gran Turismo and Genesis along with their models for the Indian market. Besides, Namyang R&D Centre employees including Hyundai Motor Group vice chairman Kwon Moon-sik attended the event, and emphasized Hyundai Motor's image as a world-class carmaker with high technology. In addition, the company installed a screen room for popular animation 'Robocar Poli' and introduced the company's CSR activities.
 
Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki exhibited Vitara Brezza in the center stage as well as halls for practical purpose.

Honda unveiled Creta's rival model BR-V compact SUV, and Jeep presented the world's best-selling car Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. In addition, Mahindra introduced KUV 100 compact SUV as well as its subsidiary Ssangyong Motor's Tivoli to the Indian market.

Japanese auto manufacturer Isuzu Motors unveiled the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, India's first adventure utility vehicle. The company will start its operations at its new manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, from April this year.

Mercedes-Benz, BNW, Audi, and Jaguar used Bollywood stars for their premium model showcase events to attract Indian's booming luxury car market.  

Bollywood star Katrina Kaif introduced Jaguar XE at Delhi Auto Show onFebruary 3./ Photographed by Ha Man-joo

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India is the fifth largest automotive market following China, United States, Japan, and Germany with 11% growth over the past five years.

The Delhi Auto Show will be open to the public from February 5 to 9. The show will see 92 new models from 65 vehicle manufacturers.