2024 Convergence India Expo: The Future is Now!

Contemplating the future of automobiles involves a lot of factors – from market trends to the body style that will dominate sales charts. However, the most crucial factor – in my opinion, at least – is the fuel that will power our cars of the future. This is what made the recently concluded 31st Convergence India and 9th Smart Cities India Expo not only interesting but also of crucial importance, for the show provided a unique opportunity to witness the myriad possibilities that are likely to shape the future of the automotive landscape.

While there was a lot to explore, I naturally gravitated towards the stalls of automakers. It was interesting to witness the top manufacturers in India vying for attention. However, as I mentioned earlier, I was truly intrigued and fascinated by the convergence of cars powered by different fuel sources under one roof.

On the electric car front, we had the MG Comet, the new Mahindra XUV 400 Pro, and even the captivating Hyundai Ioniq 5. For enthusiasts of the conventionally-powered engine, there were the Hyundai Creta facelift and the mighty Maruti Suzuki Jimny. And for those who are still undecided between petrol or electric, there was the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid.

Surprisingly, a lot of visitors spent time closely examining these cars, and some of them even got to experience a simulator installed on the Mahindra floor, providing an almost realistic experience of what it would be like to drive the XUV400 Pro – truly innovative!

Furthermore, the event had a lot to offer. With almost 50,000 visitors, over 1,000 participants from 25 countries, and more than 250 start-ups, along with some of the brightest minds from both India and abroad, comprising over 180 speakers, the event fostered debate and discussions on various topics, ranging from 6G and IoT to infrastructure and more. No wonder, then, that it is also commonly referred to as the largest tech and infrastructure expo in the country.

The Convergence India and Smart Cities India Expo provided an experience unlike any other and served as an invaluable learning experience, offering insights into possibilities for future developments. Scheduled to return next year in January, they will continue to captivate visitors and attendees with cutting-edge innovations. So, if you have a penchant for intelligent and informative discussions, an appreciation for clever ideas from organisations and start-ups from across the world, and harbour a desire to get up close and personal with some of the best cars in India, I highly recommend marking this event in your calendar as a must-have experience.