Maruti Suzuki to Develop Hybrid Cars

Maruti Suzuki has finally announced plans to develop hybrid cars. These cars are expected to be launched in 3-5 years time.

Maruti Suzuki is working on development of electric cars and CNG (compressed natural gas) variants. The hybrid and CNG technology will be available for 3-4 of its cars in India.

Speaking to media persons about it, Mr Shinzo Nakanishi, managing director Maruti Suzuki said "the new plans are based on the company's strategy to develop small cars that run on alternative fuels. The electric car technology is being developed for India."

The development and production of electric cars is likely to take nearly five years or more. Suzuki's research and development unit in Japan is currently working on this project keeping in mind Indian criteria for mileage and price.

Japanese car maker Suzuki Motor Corporation, which holds the majority stake in Maruti Suzuki has worked with General Motors of US on alternative fuels. The company is currently testing hybrid technology on the SX4 in Japan. The company had, previously, experimented with Hybrid technology on small cars in Japan. However, Mr Nakanishi did not clarify if this technology will be brought to India first when it is developed.

Maruti Suzuki is already offering LPG variants of Maruti 800 and Wagon R.

Sources: http://www.carazoo.com/autonews/1004200902/Maruti-Suzuki-Sales-Goes-High; http://www.carazoo.com/autonews/0604200902/Maruti-Suzuki-to-Phase-out-Maruti-800-and-Omni