India's largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki, has announced its plans to phase out all models with diesel engines less than 1.5 litres from April next year.
The decision has been taken in view of the Bharat Stage VI emission norms kicking in from April 1, 2020. The high cost of upgrading existing diesel engines to the BS 6 norms propelled the company to take such a decision.
With this, Maruti has become the first car company in India to declare a ‘no-diesel’ plan in the compact segment which made up nearly half of its total domestic sales last year. Maruti Suzuki currently garners nearly 23% of its annual sales from diesel cars. The company will try to focus on compressed natural gas (CNG) and hybrid technology driven vehicles to compensate the vacuum created by the phasing-out of diesel vehicles.
Speaking to the media on the sideline of announcing its final quarter results, RC Bhargava, Maruti Suzuki Chairman, RC Bhargava said, "Substantially higher development cost will not make diesel a viable option for consumers."
"Those who are diesel fans, this could be your last chance to buy cheap cars, as come April 2020, prices of cars will go up with BS VI getting implemented", he added.
Earlier on April 25, Bhargava also said Maruti Suzuki will discontinue the diesel variant of its LCV Super Carry by the end of this financial year and replace it with petrol and CNG versions.
On the other hand, on March 28 Maruti had introduced an all-new 1.5-litre diesel engine in the Ciaz. The same engine will also be seen on the Ertiga people carrier in the coming weeks and perhaps on the Brezza too.
Sakshi Batra gets in exclusive conversation with RC Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki to understand what message should the industry and consumers pick up with Maruti's 'no-diesel' plan and also the growth outlook of the company.
Watch the video for more.
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