India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki is preparing to launch a wide range of new cars and SUVs in the country. The company has already introduced the new Baleno, Ertiga facelift and the new XL6. MSIL will also launch 4 new SUVs in the next 1-2 years.
Martui Suzuki is also focusing on multiple powertrain technologies to regain the lost market share. A new media report claims that Maruti Suzuki is on track to launch E20 material compliant vehicles by 2023. Adding to it, the company will also launch cars with strong hybrid powertrain in the near future. Maruti Suzuki has already announced to launch an electric vehicle in the country in 2025.
Maruti Suzuki has no plans to re-enter the diesel market, and is focusing on CNG and flex-fuel technology. Speaking to ETAuto, CV Raman, Chieft Technology Officer, Maruti Suzuki, said, “on the powertrain technology, the company’s electrification strategy is to follow the route of introducing mild hybrids, then strong hybrids and EVs.”
He further said that all Maruti Suzuki vehicles will be E20 material compliant before April 2023. The company will also start tuning vehicles by 2023. E20 is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. For people not in the know, Indian Government is aiming to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025.
Maruti Suzuki will focus on hybrid vehicles, which comprises of internal combustion engines and electric motors along with a smaller battery pack. The first Maruti hybrid car will be a new compact SUV, codenamed YFG. It is expected to be launched during this festive season, before Diwali. The compact SUV will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and the MG Astor.
