India's biggest passenger car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to expand its CNG portfolio in the country. While the automaker is yet to share expected model names getting factory-fitted CNG kit, Shashank Shrivastava, executive director, sales and marketing, MSIL, has said in an interview that, “We would add another three-four models in our portfolio equipped with CNG. While I can’t specify the upcoming models, there is some development time and schedules, and we would be coming with more CNG models."
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“Customers have given us the feedback to get CNG in the Vitara Brezza. Our market research also shows that customers are looking for CNG even in the Swift with a lot of customers asking for CNG even in the Baleno and Ciaz. We are examining it and then will decide which models to offer with CNG.” he added.
While Maruti Suzuki hasn't specified the names of the upcoming CNG models, we have already seen Swift and Dzire getting tested with a new powertrain. And since the Dzire and Swift share their 90PS 1.2-liter petrol engine with the Baleno, it won’t be tough for the premium hatch to get CNG. Also, it has been reported that many customers have shown their interest in the Vitara Brezza CNG and Ciaz CNG. So, they could become the first-in-class vehicles to get one. Interestingly, both of them share their 105PS 1.5-liter petrol engine with the Ertiga that is already available with a factory-fitted CNG kit, offering a maximum output of 92PS/122Nm and a claimed fuel efficiency of 26.08km per kg.
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Currently, Maruti Suzuki offers the Alto, Eeco, S-Presso, WagonR, Ertiga, Tour S, Tour M, and Super Carry with CNG powertrain. Among them, the WagonR is the best-selling CNG car in the Indian market. Soon, the second-generation Maruti Celerio will also join the CNG bandwagon.
As of now, Maruti Suzuki's cumulative CNG car sales stand at over 6 lakh units in the country, out of which it has hardly taken seven months to sell the last 1 lakh units. With the expansion of CNG filling stations, the demand for CNG cars will increase further.
Author's Take
Maruti Suzuki has already confirmed that they won't offer any electric cars before 2025 due to the high costs associated with EVs and poor charging infrastructure in the country. And so, adopting the CNG route seems a more feasible option to tackle the customer's anxiety of high running costs. But before that, Maruti needs to ensure seamless delivery of CNG vehicles as they are currently having a waiting period of up to 3-4 months. Besides, Maruti Suzuki is also considering introducing flex-fuel cars in its lineup.
