Maruti Suzuki was reportedly working on re-introducing the diesel engine option for its bigger models. However, a new media report claims that the company has finally decided to completely cease its diesel plans. In a bid to improve sales, MSIL is aiming to accelerate production of vehicles powered by CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and alternate fuels. This is in line with the government aim of faster adoption of cleaner forms of mobility.
The reason behind this decision is the shift of consumer preference towards petrol. Maruti Suzuki is aiming to sell more than half a million CNG vehicles in the local market in the next 2 to 3 years. CNG powered vehicles are expected to account for 1/4th of total Maruti sales in India by the fiscal year ending March 2024.
Maruti Suzuki will also introduce hybrids and flex fuels in India. With CNG, hybrids and flex fuels, Maruti Suzuki would aim to meet future Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations. The Indo-Japanese automaker is looking at selling 2.5 lakh units of CNG-powered vehicles in the current fiscal year. The production will increase to 3.5 lakh to 4 lakh vehicles in financial year 2023.
The company believes that the sales of CNG vehicles are likely to overtake those of diesel-driven vehicles in our market. Maruti Suzuki is planning to introduce CNG versions of its existing and future cars sits under 4 meters in length. The bigger vehicles including the SUVs and MPVs are likely to receive stronger hybrids as well as flex-fuel options.
The company is preparing to launch the CNG versions of the Dzire, Swift, Vitara Brezza and the new-gen Celerio hatchback. Moreover, MSIL is also developing the Baleno facelift, a new mid-sized SUV and the next-gen Vitara Brezza for the Indian market. A 5-door Suzuki Jimny off-roader will also arrive in our market in 2022.
