Maruti Suzuki may have hinted us at their plans to stop the production of diesel engines. This is largely due to the upcoming BS-VI emission norms set to kick off from April 2020 onwards. The automaker revealed that the development cost of BS-VI compliant diesel engines will be expensive compared to the petrol ones.
Maruti Suzuki vehicles with 1.3-litre Fiat diesel engine include Swift, Ritz, Ignis, Dzire, Baleno, Vitara Brezza, Ciaz, SX4, Ertiga and S-Cross.
Instead, Maruti Suzuki will continue to develop petrol engines and promote electric and CNG vehicles as well. In recent times, diesel has experienced a dip in demand, with most of the customers preferring petrol as their fuel of choice. Maruti Suzuki have the 1.3-litre DDiS engine in their stable.
It looks likely that this motor will be phased out, with a 1.5-litre diesel engine set to be replacing it as of now. By 2020, we can expect Maruti Suzuki to halt the production of diesel engines from their Manesar plant. They also believe that the difference in production of petrol and diesel engine could affect the pricing of the models.
The 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine developed by Fiat has served Maruti Suzuki vehicles for nearly 12 years now, first seen in Maruti Swift back in January-2007.
It is believed that producing a diesel engine will cost almost 1 lakh more than making a petrol one. With the implementation of BS-VI norms, the price could be doubled, thus affecting the automaker. We can also expect other manufacturers to take the same initiative in a price-conscious market like ours.
This news comes at the backdrop of Suzuki tie-up with Toyota, with both manufacturers set to explore segments in which the other one successfully operates. Toyota will be aiming at the affordable end of the market and in contrast, Suzuki will target the premium segments. It seems that the diesel engine may die a slow death in India.
To read more on Maruti’s Diesel Engine, Click here
Also see: Maruti Suzuki extends its diesel engine contract with Fiat – until 2018
Source: livemint.com
