Maruti Suzuki Future Plans – More SUVs, CNG and Electric Cars, Less Diesel
Maruti Suzuki to aiming to introduce CNG + Petrol hybrid powertrains, strong hybrids and all-electric cars
We reported earlier that Indian auto industry is all set to go through massive changes in the next 2 years. Most of the changes will result into safer, cleaner and fuel efficient cars. Coming July 2019, all the cars will have to come equipped with standard safety features including dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, seatbelt alert, speed alert and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Moreover, Government of India will introduce the new crash test norms from October 2019. Adding to it, the BSVI emission norms will come into effect from April 2020.
Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker is going to be impacted hugely from these upcoming changes. The company has already started working in different directions to absorb the impact of new crash test and BSVI emission norms. Maruti Suzuki has started upgrading its all existing products to meet the new crash test norms. Also See – Upcoming Maruti Suzuki Cars In India
The company’s entry-level hatchback, Wagon R has recently entered into the new-generation. The tall-boy hatchback is now based on the stronger and lighter HEARTECT platform, which will be compatible with the new crash test norms. Adding to it, Maruti Suzuki has started working on the next-gen Alto and Celerio hatchbacks. Both these entry-level models are likely to be based on the HEARTECT platform.
Maruti Suzuki’s top-selling models including Swift, Dzire, Baleno and Vitara Brezza are powered by a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine. This powertrain won’t receive any upgrade to meet the new emission norms and will be phased out from the market. Due to BSVI emission norms, the gap between diesel and petrol car prices will further increase. Expert believes that the new norms could make diesel cars expensive by up to 2.5 lakh than the petrol cars.
Maruti Suzuki will soon introduce a new 1.5-litre diesel engine, which will replace the 1.3-litre engine. This engine will power the new Ertiga, Ciaz and S-Cross. However, it is yet to be confirmed whether this engine will make way into the sub-4 meter Maruti cars. This engine will further escalate the prices of small cars. Instead of introducing this diesel engine, Maruti Suzuki has started looking at alternate fuel options for its smaller cars.
Recent media reports claim that Maruti Suzuki is planning to introduce the petrol + CNG hybrid powertrain option in its small cars. The company will soon introduce the CNG version of the Ertiga, which will be followed by Swift, Dzire and Baleno. This option is relatively cheaper than the diesel and is also fuel efficient. In fact, Maruti Suzuki has asked some of its dealers to bid for CNG fuel stations.
Besides CNG, Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch affordable electric cars in India. The company has joined hands with Toyota to develop affordable electric cars, technologies and platforms for developing nations. Adding to it, the company has established a new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Gujarat.
Maruti Suzuki is also looking at expanding its presence in the utility segment. The company is working on a micro SUV, which will be based on the Concept Future S. Adding to it, Maruti will enter into the 5-seater premium SUV space. Media reports claim that the company could unveil an all-new SUV at the 2020 Auto Expo. It will be based on the next-gen Vitara SUV.
Video – 2019 Maruti Wagon R Review
