Maruti Swift, Dzire, Ertiga could get CNG variants

According to a media report, Maruti Suzuki might introduce CNG variants of its cars in the years to come. The move could be taken in response to comply with the BS-VI emission norms, which are scheduled to be implemented in 2020 and tighter fuel efficiency norms, which are to be implemented by 2022.

In the coming days, Maruti plans to offer CNG variants of the Swift, Dzire and Ertiga as well. The company has sold about half a million CNG cars between 2010 and 2018. It plans to sell 2,00,000 CNG cars every year by 2022. This figure is expected to comprise of 10-12% of its annual sales. Suzuki has instructed its dealerships to apply for licences in order to set up CNG dispensing stations to keep pace with its plans.

The Government of India is aiming to reduce the air pollution levels in large cities. To achieve this, it plans to implement stricter emission and fuel efficiency norms. The second phase of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency norms require the fuel efficiency of cars to improve by 10% or more between 2017 and 2021. From 2022, they will have to become more fuel efficient by 30% or more. The improvement in fuel efficiency will be calculated based on the litres of fuel consumed by a vehicle to cover 100 km.

In the short term, Maruti is looking at the CNG option to meet its goals. Hybrid and electric vehicles are expected to follow.

Source: LiveMint