Maruti Suzuki India has unveiled the country’s first flex-fuel passenger vehicle, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to expand the use of alternative fuels and reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. on June 4 introduced India’s first flex-fuel passenger car, bringing ethanol-compatible vehicle technology into the mainstream automotive market. The launch took place in New Delhi ahead of World Environment Day and was attended by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
The company has introduced the technology in the WagonR, one of its most widely sold models. The vehicle is designed to operate on ethanol-petrol blends ranging from E20 to E100, giving drivers the flexibility to use different fuel compositions without requiring modifications to the engine. According to Maruti Suzuki, the vehicle features specialized engine calibration that automatically adapts to varying ethanol levels.
The launch aligns with the government’s broader push to increase ethanol usage in transportation as part of efforts to strengthen energy security, lower emissions and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Industry experts believe wider adoption of flex-fuel vehicles could also support domestic ethanol production and create additional opportunities for the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the event, government representatives highlighted the role of biofuels in reducing crude oil imports and promoting cleaner mobility solutions. Maruti Suzuki Managing Director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said the company intends to support multiple powertrain technologies, including electric vehicles, hybrids, CNG and ethanol-based mobility solutions.
While flex-fuel technology is already used in several international markets, its introduction in India’s passenger vehicle segment is expected to accelerate the development of supporting infrastructure, including ethanol dispensing stations and fuel distribution networks.
Source: This article is based on a press release issued by Maruti Suzuki India Limited
India Goes Flex: Maruti Suzuki launches India’s 1st Flex Fuel car
