Delivering "value-packed products" is the motto adopted by Suzuki Motor Corporation, to sum up its global expansion goal for FY2030. Japan, India, and Europe are at the heart of the firm's strategy, which is centered on reaching carbon neutrality. The roadmap comprises six upcoming EV launches in the country by 2030. Battery electric cars and ICE engines that use carbon-neutral alternative fuels including CNG, biogas, and ethanol blends are also included in the plan. The firm claims it is committed to being a value-focused brand that keeps delivering highly efficient automobiles in India. The new models will not only offer economical mobility but also a variety of powertrain options to suit a wide spectrum of buyers, as opposed to the high-mileage models of previous generations. So, let's skip down on the jargon and understand the carmaker's plan from an Indian standpoint.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Dzire Becomes the Best-selling Compact Sedan of FY2023
What Does the Roadmap Entail for India?
The Indo-Japanese company announced that it intends to launch 6 electric vehicles in India by FY2030, despite the fact that the strategy has been set forward for Japan, Europe, and India together. The commercial version of the EVX SUV concept that was recently displayed at the 2023 Auto Expo will be the first EV to be released by the company. The idea was said to have a 550-kilometre range and a 60kWh battery pack. The EVX's commercial version will debut sometime around 2025.
By FY2030, it hopes to have all six of its electric vehicle (EV) models launched and selling, achieving a battery EV ratio of 15% throughout its India range. With regard to internal combustion engines (ICE), the auto giant has promised to release models that can operate on clean fuels including CNG, biogas, and ethanol blends. Since Suzuki wants to become carbon neutral in Japan and Europe by 2050 and in India by 2070, clean-running ICE vehicles will continue to make up the majority of the company's offerings in this market.
Maruti Suzuki eVX: Key Details
Maruti Suzuki made headlines at the Auto Expo 2023 with its eVX electric concept. The eVX measures 4,300mm in length, 1,800mm in width, and 1,600mm in height. Boomerang-shaped split LED headlights and a higher bonnet lend emphasis to the fascia. The electric SUV also receives a blanked-off grille and a silver skid plate to reinforce its design. 15% of the total powertrains available will be in battery electric cars. The eVX EV's wide wheel arches, dual-tone alloy wheels, and sharp creases all draw attention to the side profile. A dynamic coupe-like roofline and elegant LED taillights that span the width of the boot are added to the rear portion.
The electric SUV's interior will have luxurious leather, a large touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument panel, and multiple airbags at the time of debut. The Maruti Suzuki eVX will be the brand's first vehicle with an electric drivetrain. The power output numbers are not yet available but will be in the future. The upcoming model will have a 550-kilometre driving range and be powered by a 60kWh battery pack. Given that it would compete with other mid-size SUVs on the market, we anticipate the car to cost about Rs 20 lakh.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Swift, WagonR, Celerio, S-Presso & More Attract Discounts of up to Rs 61,000 in May
The Transition to Alternative Fuels
The recent Auto Expo further highlighted the trend towards alternative fuels by featuring Maruti Suzuki's flex-fuel WagonR prototype, which can operate on EB5 fuel (85% ethanol, 15% petrol). Along with other vehicles including the Grand Vitara, an outgoing self-charging hybrid, the Brezza S-CNG was also on display. Among alternative fuels, CNG is Suzuki's best-selling category. In India, 70% of the CNG automobile market is now dominated by Suzuki vehicles. In order to combat the inescapable rise in CO2 emissions from Suzuki products by FY2030, the firm is preparing to enter the biogas industry, where biogas will be extracted from, manufactured, and supplied for use by Suzuki CNG automobiles.
In order to create biogas from sources like cow dung and dairy wastes, the firm has also signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board of the Indian government and Banas Dairy, Asia's largest dairy producer. By FY2023, the manufacturer aims to have 20% EVs in Japan, 80% EVs in Europe, and 15% EVs in India. Then there are the ventures involving alternative fuels. The business is also putting novel manufacturing processes and practices into place to achieve carbon-neutral production across all of its domestic and international operations for four-wheelers and two-wheelers. The creation of new technology for Mission 2070 follows.
Write your Comment