Greater Noida: Japanese Bike maker Yamaha has extended its contract with Bollywood actor and biking enthusiast John Abraham as its brand ambassador for another two years.
John's existing contract is going to expire by March-end. Considering the response the company has received with the endorsement of its product by the actor, Yamaha Motors India Ltd (YMIL) decided to extend it.
"We have extended the contract with John Abraham for the next two years," YMIL VP Sales and Marketing Roy Kurian told reporters here at the Auto Expo.
The actor, who Friday visited Yamaha Pavilion at the Auto Expo here, and is a 'big fan' of the brand, quipped if the company had not extended the contract he would have gone to YMIL Managing Director Masaki Asano to seek an extension.
Apart from John, Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone also endorses Yamaha. YMIL had signed Deepika Padukone in July 2012 as the face of Yamaha Scooters in India.
Next: Auto Expo opens for public
Auto Expo opens for public
Greater Noida: India's flagship automobile show Auto Expo opened to the public on Friday drawing warm response from automobile enthusiasts, who heaped praises on the new venue for better space and well organised pavilions.
As crowds started trickling in, soon after gates were thrown open to the public in the afternoon, there were scenes of people trying to reach various stalls and get themselves photographed with their favourite cars and bikes.
"This is my second visit to the Auto Expo. This one is definitely better than the previous one held at the Pragati Maidan. The venue is spacious and there is less congestion. Overall it is turning out to be a better experience," Mayur Vihar resident Karan Bhambri told PTI here.
The arrangement of shuttle service from metro station at Botanical Garden in Noida has been very helpful, he added. Echoing similar sentiments, first-time visitor Tanpreet Singh, a law student, said there is lot of excitement due to the companies showcasing new models as well as the presence of popular Bollywood stars. "I met John Abraham Friday, listened to Jai Ho musical and also saw exciting bikes. It can't get better than this," Singh said.
The distance of India Expo Mart from the Capital seemed to bother some enthusiasts though. "This place is so far. It is very difficult to reach here. It took me two hours to reach this place as there was so much traffic," said Nitin Sharma, a resident of Greater Kailash in South Delhi.
There was lot of crowding at Pragati Maidan, but the venue being at central location, it was easy to reach in time, he added. Entry for general public opened only friday as the first two days of the expo, which began on February 5, were reserved for the media.
Unlike in the past, the 12th edition of Auto Expo has been split into two parts due to space constraints, with the motor show being held at Greater Noida and auto components exhibition at Pragati Maidan during February 5-11.
Ticket prices have been kept at Rs 200 and Rs 500 for the expo. The week-long event is expected to help in reviving the demand at a time when the Indian automobile sector is going through a prolonged slump.
Annual car sales in India declined for the first time in 11 years in 2013, posting a 9.59 per cent dip, as the auto industry reeled under a prolonged demand slump due to the economic slowdown. Auto industry is hoping that the biannual event would help in bringing some excitement into the market.
