The Hindu Business Line : Maruti looking to introduce CNG variants

The company has brought out LPG-run variants of Wagon R, Omni and Maruti 800 but has not yet developed CNG-run variants. “Future is CNG. We will launch CNG variants,” said Mr M.M. Singh, Managing Executive Officer (Production).

However, he declined to put out a timeframe for the launch and models of which CNG variants are going to be produced. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) Manufacturing Summit, he said that the CNG initiative of the company will depend on the infrastructure development in terms of CNG dispensing stations network in the country.

He said that the first year export target of the high-end compact car model to be launched by Maruti Suzuki A-Star, which was initially set as 1 lakh may be revised to 2 lakh depending on the market demand in the European countries.

A-Star will be launched in India in October-November. Mr Singh said that there would be simultaneous launches in Europe as well. “Our major focus is on exports, especially to Europe,” he said.

He said that the same Euro V-compliant model, which is manufactured according to European specifications, will be launched in the domestic market too.

He said that the company is looking for land to expand its research and development facility. The company plans to develop a technically advanced facility for conducting crash tests of vehicles, which is currently being done in France. “This will help us save time and money,” he said.

About the declining sales he said, “The market is bad for the last three months and we have to change our programme. But it is a temporary phase.”

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