Citroen will not launch diesel mass market cars in India

According to a media report, Citroen has revealed that it will not launch diesel mass market cars in India. Citroen is developing mass market cars for the country under its C-Cubed programme.

The decision to give diesel engines a miss has been taken because the demand for oil burners has been falling. Over the last 10 years, the ratio of petrol to diesel vehicles has dropped from 55:45 to 75:25. The market is expected to swing further in favour of petrols. This is believed to have been caused by the higher price of diesel vehicles coupled with the increase in price of diesel, which is now very close to that of petrol. Further, according to newly introduced laws, one cannot keep a diesel vehicle for more than 10 years as against 15 years for a petrol.

The company is working on a sub-4 m SUV  codenamed C21 that will rival the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. This India-specific car will come with a turbocharged petrol engine.

However, Citroen hasn't completely abandoned diesel for its offerings in India. Its first car to go on sale in the country will be the C5 Aircross. This will be a premium SUV with an estimated ex-showroom price of more than Rs. 30 lakh. This car will use a 2.0-litre diesel engine.

Source