Maruti Suzuki is planning to introduce a strong hybrid powertrain for its mass-market vehicles like the Swift, Baleno, Fronx, etc.
The largest carmaker in the country, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL), is reportedly working on a strong hybrid version of the Swift. Now, we know that the all-new Swift is about to launch in India. In fact, it is already available in many international markets like the UK, Ireland, Germany, Japan and France. However, we don’t expect it to be a strong hybrid just yet. But going forward, MSIL will be exploring the possibility of bringing an affordable strong hybrid tech to India for mass-market products.
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Maruti Swift Strong Hybrid for India
Remember, Maruti already sells the Grand Vitara and Invicto in India with strong hybrid powertrains. These offer mileage of upto 27.97 kmpl. However, these mills have been developed by Toyota. Maruti uses it under its joint venture with the other Japanese auto giant. Going forward, Maruti wants to work on this tech for compact vehicles. During a recent virtual media conference after the FY2023-24 earnings meet, MSIL Chairman, RC Bhargava revealed that Suzuki is working on an affordable hybrid solution for compact cars.
These incorporate automobiles like the Swift, Fronx, Baleno, etc. However, Mr Bhargava expressed concerns about the 43% GST levied on hybrid cars at the moment. Note that after the recent EV policy, even the tax on fully electric battery-powered cars was reduced to just 5%. Nevertheless, the MoRTH Minister, Nitin Gadkari, had a discussion with PTI where he mentioned that he has proposed a reduction in GST to 5% for hybrid cars and 12% on flex-fuel cars going forward. Once that becomes a reality, we will see more carmakers introducing hybrid cars which, in a segment of small vehicles, can offer fuel economy of up to 30 kmpl.
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Author’s Note
Maruti Suzuki has always been bullish on hybrid mills before fully transitioning into electric cars. That is further evident from its partnership with Toyota, which is also not as keen on EVs as some other legacy car marques. Both these Japanese auto giants still believe that hybrids have a substantial role to play before EVs can become mainstream. They are clearly putting their buck where their mouths are. Hence, don’t be surprised to see many strong hybrid cars from Suzuki and Toyota in time to come. This approach will be a major part of Maruti Suzuki’s aim to electrify 40% of its portfolio by FY2030-31.
