Maruti to launch CNG WagonR in 3 months, 4 more cars to follow

jacksons · 18th June 2010, 20:51

Maruti Suzuki India plans to introduce a CNG variant of its recently upgraded WagonR hatchback within the next three months, which could be about Rs 70,000 costlier than the existing version.
"Maruti Suzuki is working on at least five models across different segments to launch the CNG variants, which will come as dual mode with petrol, and these will be launched during the next quarter," a source said.

The move is a part of the company's plans to expand its portfolio of eco-friendly vehicles, which could see other models such as Alto, Eeco, Estilo and SX4 also powered by CNG fuel, industry sources said.

"WagonR will be the first one among these models to be launched with the CNG version," the source said

When contacted, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Managing Executive Officer (Engineering) I V Rao said: "We have been working on CNG technology for the last two years and it is almost ready. We had shown the technology during Delhi Auto Expo this year."
He, however, declined to comment on the model range and any timeframe to launch the products.
Asked about the possible price of the vehicles, Rao said, "These products are of high quality and there will be no compromise on safety standards. Most of the parts are imported from Europe, the US and Japan. There will be some cost to it."
Sources, however, said that going by the specifications and performance of the CNG kit that Maruti Suzuki is fitting in the cars, these variants will be about Rs 70,000 more expensive.
In April, the company had launched the new generation WagonR, priced between Rs 3.28 lakh and Rs 3.81 lakh.
MSI currently offers dual fuel mode in its M800 and Omni models, which are available in LPG-cum-petrol variants also. Earlier, the WagonR was also available in an LPG variant, but the company stopped producing it after launching the new WagonR. It has so far sold over two lakh vehicles fitted with alternative fuel technology.
Rao said the CNG models with a factory-fitted kit will deliver almost the same performance as the petrol variants.

Source: Economic Times

thainogkok · 19th June 2010, 08:08

seem like Maruti Suzuki will offer CNG nearly all of their car (except CBU).

CARDEEP · 19th June 2010, 11:02

This is a good move, especially in case of SX4. However, not so prudent in case of WagonR, where the boot size is too small.

But, the incremental price in case of CNG powered car is way too much. We can get good quality fitting for any car in the range Rs30k-40K.

sachinj12 · 19th June 2010, 13:23

CNG for SX4?? They better plonk a Diesel in it first. That car is begging for Diesel heart right from its launch.

acidkill · 19th June 2010, 14:48

i would have thought that LPG was a better choice for a pan india roll out

18th June 2010, 20:51	#1
jacksons BANNED Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: New Delhi Posts: 362 Thanked: 67 Times	Maruti to launch CNG WagonR in 3 months, 4 more cars to follow Maruti Suzuki India plans to introduce a CNG variant of its recently upgraded WagonR hatchback within the next three months, which could be about Rs 70,000 costlier than the existing version. "Maruti Suzuki is working on at least five models across different segments to launch the CNG variants, which will come as dual mode with petrol, and these will be launched during the next quarter," a source said. The move is a part of the company's plans to expand its portfolio of eco-friendly vehicles, which could see other models such as Alto, Eeco, Estilo and SX4 also powered by CNG fuel, industry sources said. "WagonR will be the first one among these models to be launched with the CNG version," the source said When contacted, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Managing Executive Officer (Engineering) I V Rao said: "We have been working on CNG technology for the last two years and it is almost ready. We had shown the technology during Delhi Auto Expo this year." He, however, declined to comment on the model range and any timeframe to launch the products. Asked about the possible price of the vehicles, Rao said, "These products are of high quality and there will be no compromise on safety standards. Most of the parts are imported from Europe, the US and Japan. There will be some cost to it." Sources, however, said that going by the specifications and performance of the CNG kit that Maruti Suzuki is fitting in the cars, these variants will be about Rs 70,000 more expensive. In April, the company had launched the new generation WagonR, priced between Rs 3.28 lakh and Rs 3.81 lakh. MSI currently offers dual fuel mode in its M800 and Omni models, which are available in LPG-cum-petrol variants also. Earlier, the WagonR was also available in an LPG variant, but the company stopped producing it after launching the new WagonR. It has so far sold over two lakh vehicles fitted with alternative fuel technology. Rao said the CNG models with a factory-fitted kit will deliver almost the same performance as the petrol variants. Source: Economic Times Last edited by jacksons : 18th June 2010 at 20:53.
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19th June 2010, 08:08	#2
thainogkok BHPian Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Some where i belong Posts: 189 Thanked: 3 Times	seem like Maruti Suzuki will offer CNG nearly all of their car (except CBU).
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19th June 2010, 11:02	#3
CARDEEP Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NCR Posts: 3,248 Thanked: 2,522 Times	This is a good move, especially in case of SX4. However, not so prudent in case of WagonR, where the boot size is too small. But, the incremental price in case of CNG powered car is way too much. We can get good quality fitting for any car in the range Rs30k-40K.
	() Thanks

19th June 2010, 13:23	#4
sachinj12 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,187 Thanked: 168 Times	CNG for SX4?? They better plonk a Diesel in it first. That car is begging for Diesel heart right from its launch.
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19th June 2010, 14:48	#5
acidkill BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Chennai Posts: 420 Thanked: 137 Times	Lpg i would have thought that LPG was a better choice for a pan india roll out
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