Maruti Suzuki unveils India’s first flex fuel car

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has launched India’s first flex-fuel car which gives the flexibility to customers to run on any blend of ethanol and petrol from E20 toE100.

Maruti Suzuki said it is introducing flex-fuel technology in the Wagon R which has long pioneered alternate fuel vehicles in India, including CNG and LPG.

“With the launch of India’s first flex-fuel car, Maruti Suzuki brings innovation aligned with national energy security and sustainability goals. In addition to a significant reduction in oil imports, flex-fuel vehicles can also help to boost farmer income,” the company said.

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, said, “India imports a large quantity of crude oil every year, and biofuels like ethanol are an important pathway towards reducing this dependence while strengthening our rural economy. Flex-Fuel Vehicles can create a strong and sustainable demand for ethanol, benefiting our farmers, industry, and the environment together.”

“I am confident that this initiative [by Maruti] will encourage other car manufacturers to launch their flex-fuel models and oil industry to enhance ethanol distribution infrastructure.”

Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said, “India’s ethanol journey is unstoppable. Flex- Fuel Vehicles are a win-win for the nation.  I congratulate Maruti Suzuki on taking this important step towards a cleaner, greener, and more self-reliant energy future.”

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki , said, “We are introducing BEVs, Hybrids, CNG/CBG and ethanol flex-fuel vehicles to meet India’s twin goals of reducing oil import and carbon emissions. The ecosystem for ethanol as a fuel in India is in its early stages, and as a market leader, we think it is our responsibility to contribute to make `India Go Flex’. Once it reaches mainstream adoption, Flex-Fuel Vehicles have the potential to cut oil imports, carbon emissions, and local air pollution.”