Maruti Suzuki India is banking on hybrid technology across its models for the next five to seven years and this could be a smart move as apprehensive buyers may not want to shift to pure electric vehicle (EVs) straight away in view of the recent fires.
Also, Hindustan Motors, which was believed to be working on an electric Ambassador, has revealed that it is tying up for electric two-wheelers, which would launch around March 2024.
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| A Maruti suzuki hybrid vehicle. |
Maruti is eyeing hybrid technology in order to make each of its models environment-friendly, paving the way for better fuel efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
The country’s largest carmaker would lay stress on battery electric vehicles as well as CNG cars. Moreover, it would focus on ethanol and bio-CNG-compliant engines in the near-to-mid term.
According to the company, in five-seven years, every model will have some element of green technology. There would not be any pure petrol powertrain across its cars.
In fact, the company is eyeing presence in strong hybrid technology, across multiple models. Its models could become strong self-charging hybrid powertrains, going ahead.
A Maruti executive said, “When we come up with a technology, we make an endeavour to democratise it by putting it across most of our models.”
HM, European partner to roll out two-wheelers
Hindustan Motors (HM), which once made the iconic ‘Ambassador’, is planning a new joint venture (JV) with a European auto company to manufacture electric two-wheelers by early 2024, revealed a senior executive of the company.
Later on, HM may also opt for electric four-wheelers. Just recently, when HM was mulling the tie up, speculation was rife that the iconic Ambassador car or the luxury Contessa, which the company had stopped making, would be seen in an electric avatar. However, not much is known about this right now.
Financial due diligence of both the partners is expected to start from July and this could take around two months. Then, the technical aspects may be looked into, and after that, the JV may take a month or so.
Only after all these formalities, a clear structure of the company could emerge and even the investment needed could be decided. These may be completed by early 2023.
HM said after the company is formed, pilot runs for the electric two-wheelers could take around six months. The final product — the e-two-wheelers — may roll out around March 2024.
HM’s Uttarpara plant is likely to be retro-fitted, as many of the control systems and electronic hardware as well as software are required to be replaced.
HM closed down the plant in 2014 due to a slump in demand for the Ambassador. Later, HM sold the iconic Ambassador brand to French auto giant Peugeot for Rs 80 crore. The Contessa brand was sold to SG Mobility.
HM is the only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in India that has its own forging, foundry and paint units. There is also the assembly and welding shop, making the Uttarpara facility in West Bengal an integrated automobile plant.
Conclusion
So, Maruti Suzuki India — which is banking on hybrid technology — could see acceptance among car buyers while HM must price its two-wheelers (after launch in 2024) smartly to survive the intense competition and see its revival.
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