Maruti Suzuki has revealed the WagonR flex-fuel, India’s inaugural passenger vehicle adaptable to ethanol-petrol blends from E20 to E100. This launch signifies a significant move towards cleaner fuel options in India amidst fluctuations in global crude oil prices. The introduction of this model aligns with the country’s efforts to reduce reliance on traditional petrol and promote the use of biofuels in the transportation sector.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, graced the unveiling event and emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering cleaner mobility solutions. He disclosed plans to introduce a 15% isobutanol blend in diesel as part of the alternative fuel strategy. Additionally, Gadkari urged leading automakers like Maruti Suzuki India Limited and Hero MotoCorp to convert older vehicles into flex-fuel compatible models to meet stringent emission standards, including Euro 6 norms.
Gadkari highlighted that such initiatives would aid in combating air pollution and bolster the vehicle scrappage program aimed at eliminating older, more polluting vehicles from the streets. At the launch event, he underscored the pivotal role of the automobile sector in propelling India’s economy, noting the nation’s position as the world’s third-largest automobile industry, making a substantial contribution to the GDP.
The Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki, Hisashi Takeuchi, revealed the company’s investments in compressed biogas (CBG) projects and exploration of cleaner technologies like hydrogen fuel. Maruti Suzuki officials also outlined their comprehensive clean mobility strategy, with Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer for Marketing and Sales, noting that nearly half of all eco-friendly vehicles sold in the industry last fiscal year originated from Maruti Suzuki.
