DNA ZEE BUSINESS Auto Fest: Dream machines wow visitors

Comparing contemporary automobiles, gazing awestruck at rarely seen classics or racing models is a great way for people to bond and this was exemplified last weekend at the 13th edition DNA ZEE BUSINESS Auto Fest held at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. With the first look of the new Hyundai Santro and Maruti Ertiga being the key attraction, enthusiasts gathered on December 8-9, 2018 to explore the models showcased by prominent brands, analyse special offers and firm up their buying decisions, in sync with the tagline, ‘Walk in, Drive out.’ 

At the inauguration, Manda Mhatre, MLA, shared, “This is a well known medium whether print (DNA) or electronic media (ZEE BUSINESS) and you are enabling a huge number of people to participate.” 

Atul Singhal, CEO, Wasan Toyota, shared, “A good platform, all under one roof. People look for new products and December is anyways about offers”. Among the visitors, Neeraj Kumar was there to finalise his second car purchase and described the exhibition as a good experience, while Prithviraj Chavan was eager to see antique cars at the next edition. 

Celebrities Sonnalli Seygall, Mandana Karimi and Urvashi Rautela highlighted the aspirational factor while inspirational figures included Bharadwaj Dayala who has travelled across the world on a bike. “People get to know new entrants information and latest technology,” he said. 

The Super bikes by Team M3 and Classic cars from Javed Mirza’s collection fascinated visitors, as did the Vintage bike brought in by Jehangir Foroogh with the help of Cruise India. Students from prominent engineering colleges K J Somaiya, IIT Bombay and VJTI showcased their unique self built cars as well. The adrenaline rush was fuelled by stunts on bikes. Sachin Riderboy and Sudhanshu of I Stunt shared that they were doing this for the first time in an auto fest. 

(Clockwise from top left): “BMW 5 series has smart features, so looking forward for it” said, Actor Himmanshoo Malhotra; Actress Sonnalli Seygall posing at the Toyota stall; Pranav Desai, CEO, Cleveland CycleWerks India; Actress Mandana Karimi with the Vintage Bike; Actress Urvashi Rautela emphasized on safety aspects; Bharadwaj Dayala from Andhra Pradesh is a first Indian to travel across the world on a motorbike; and Jehangir. S. Foroogh shared AJS is his most favourite vintage bike

Cruise India’s Sorubhh and Gaurav played a key role in facilitating the presence of vintage and custom bikes as well as the I Stunt team; their contribution was much appreciated by the organisers and visitors alike.

Live music sessions also created a scintillating ambiance. On day one, management professional turned musician Vaibhav Singh dazzled with Bollywood numbers and pop music. Vocalist Damini Sharma performed a medley mixture of English, Marathi, Hindi and Tamil numbers, which she described as apt for an auto expo theme. The next day witnessed Soundstreet comprising Ram Kumar S - vocal percussion (beat boxing); Pankaj Gilra, Apurva Deshmukh and Bhavna Saripalli – vocalists; Madhusmita Paul – percussionist and Devesh Bahaddur on the guitar. 

Bollywood numbers were performed by members of the Dancing Passions academy as well, choreographed by Rahul Chavan an engineer who considers dance as his passion and profession. “We are happy to perform and given a platform,” he affirmed. Exciting games and contests were conducted on both days to keep the crowds engaged with gift vouchers as prizes. 

Pranav Desai, Director & CEO, Cleveland CycleWerks India, said. “DNA has chosen great location like Navi Mumbai for the Auto Fest.”