Auto Expo 2008 attracted many visitors just to see the Nano. But even without that car, this expo belonged to Tata Motors and its alliance partner Fiat only added to the glitz.

Tata used the expo as a launch pad for not just the Nano, but also for its all new Sumo Grande and Indica.

Both vehicles have had successful runs on Indian roads, and were in need of replacement. The second generation Sumo will co-exist with the older one, at a higher price point, while the new Indica will replace the old one later this year.

Tata also launched the Indigo CS, a shorter sub-four metre sedan which will be very attractively priced. Fiat unveiled a long list of vehicles for India, starting with the diesel Palio and its Linea sedan.

But unlike the past, this year the Expo saw car and bike makers get serious about the Indian market. So, the focus was on real life products rather than glamorous or fancy vehicles. So others who created a buzz include Skoda with its new Fabia hatch, Honda with its Jazz hatch and new Accord, and Maruti with its A-Star Concept, which will debut as a production model in October this year.

Besides these, there were some stratospheric sedans too like BMW's powerful M3, Audi's swanky new A4, Mercedes with its all new C Class, and there were also some big bikes coming in courtesy Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki.

Auto Expo 2008 will be remembered for being the biggest edition yet, for having the most number of exhibitors, and for getting in record crowds. But the real star will be the humble set of four wheels that has spun off many a dream. Hats off to Mr Tata and his team. He has well and truly DONE IT!