Maruti launches CNG Ertiga, priced up to Rs 7.30 lakh

The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India today launched CNG variant of its multi- purpose van 'Ertiga' priced up to Rs 7.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Christened as 'Ertiga Green', it will be available in two variants with the base version available at Rs 6.52 lakh, while the top-end version is tagged at Rs 7.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the company said in a statement.

"We continuously work to offer products that are high on fuel efficiency and low on overall cost of ownership. Ertiga Green, with a factory fitted CNG system, is another step of Maruti Suzuki to meet today's need of our customers," company's Vice President (Marketing) Manohar Bhat said.

The Ertiga has been a success with over 87,000 units sold since its launch in April, 2012, although its sales have tapered off in the recent months in a sluggish market.

'Ertiga Green' is the sixth vehicle from MSI (Maruti Suzuki India) with factory fitted CNG kits. Alto, Wagon R, Eeco, SX4 and Estilo are already offered with factory fitted CNG option.

The new vehicle will be available in states with CNG infrastructure, including Delhi NCR, Gujarat, Mumbai, Pune, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, the company said.

With this, Ertiga will now be available in all three fuel variants: CNG, petrol and diesel.

The launch of the CNG Ertiga is yet another step by the company to drive up its sales. In May MSI's total sales dropped by 14.4 per cent at 84,677 units. Its domestic sales also slipped by 13 per cent at 77,821 units form the same month last year.

The company has already announced June as the 'exchange month' offering its existing customers discounts on exchange of old cars for its new vehicles.