Aim to manufacture, sell 1 mn 'green vehicles' over next few years: Maruti

The next million green vehicles from company will include a range of technologies and power trains such as CNGs, smart hybrids, strong hybrids and electric vehicles.

The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Wednesday said it aims to manufacture and sell another million "green vehicles" in the next couple of years as it accelerates its eco-friendly mobility drive.

Kicking off the Auto Expo here, MSI Managing Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa said the company has already sold a million green cars, comprising CNG and smart hybrids in the last decade.

Showcasing its concept Futuro-e, an electric SUV, he said the car is being shown for the first time globally here, reflecting the importance of Indian customers in Suzuki's business.

"Our theme at the Auto Expo 2020 - Mission Green Million - explains our commitment towards bringing affordable and sustainable green technologies for India. We aim to manufacture and sell the next million green vehicles at a much faster pace, over the next couple of years, " Ayukawa told reporters here.

The next million green vehicles from company will include a range of technologies and power trains such as CNGs, smart hybrids, strong hybrids and electric vehicles, he added.

"We are banking on customers to accept and upgrade to new technology including the electrified powertrain," he said adding mass acceptance will give original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) desired volumes to bring in localisation benefits to customers.

On the concept Futuro-e, he said, the electric SUV-coupe which is defined by its bold and sporty characteristics has been conceptualised and designed in India by the company.

"The Concept Futuro-e has the potential to redefine next generation SUV design language in India," Ayukawa added.

Reiterating the company's commitment to CNG technology, he said, "In the coming times we are committed to expand our CNG portfolio to include many more models."

Company News

Looking to buy a budget car? Maruti Suzuki launches new version of WagonR

The new WagonR with one-litre engine will deliver a fuel efficiency of 22.5 km per litre while the bigger 1.2 litre petrol powertain would return efficiency of 21.5 km per litre.

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Wednesday launched a new version of its hatchback WagonR priced between Rs 4.19 lakh and Rs 5.69 lakh (ex-showroom).

The new WagonR comes with a new 1.2-litre petrol engine option along with another choice of 1-litre powertrain. It also comes with an automatic gear shift variant.

The one-litre manual versions are priced at Rs 4.19 lakh and Rs 4.69 lakh while the automated gear shift trim is tagged at Rs 5.16 lakh.

The 1.2-litre variants are priced between Rs 4.89 lakh and Rs 5.69 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).

"I am sure, the all-new WagonR will become a preferred choice just not for families but also for young and dynamic buyers," MSI MD and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa told reporters here.

The vehicle has been developed on the Suzuki's fifth-generation HEARTECT platform and is wider and longer than its outgoing version.

As a result, the boot space has also gone up in the new model to 341 litres.

The company said the use of high tensile steel has improved the overall safety, rigidity and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance in the new offering.

The third generation WagonR comes with various safety features like driver airbag, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and front seat belts reminder, speed alert system and rear parking sensors.

The company has already received 12,000 bookings for the model.

MSI has sold around 2.2 million units of the model till date in the country.

According to the company, the new WagonR with one-litre engine will deliver a fuel efficiency of 22.5 km per litre while the bigger 1.2 litre petrol powertain would return efficiency of 21.5 km per litre.

Article Source BS