New Delhi, December 22 (ANI): The countdown for India's much awaited automobile extravaganza, the Auto Expo 2012 has begun. It was revealed the launch of at least 50 new cars, two wheelers and commercial vehicles would mark this 11th edition of Auto Expo. The curtain raiser of gala event in which about 1500 participants from 24 countries are expected to participate would take place on January 05, 2012. Meanwhile, responding to a poser on the weak rupee value against dollar, S Sandilya, President, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) predicted a decline in export of automobiles in the coming months. The curtains down of the gala event would be on January 11.