Thursday, November 17, 2011
By Pranjal Gera
Maruti cars to get powered by 1.0L diesel engine
After observing the on-going auto market in India; which sees major declining in auto sales due to higher interest rates and hiking petrol prices, Maruti Suzuki is keen on acquiring diesel engine from Italian auto maker Fiat and is in continuous discussions for the same. The meetings are on with Fiat in relation to the manufacturing of 3-cylinder diesel power-train that is similar to the company’s well-known multi-jet engine. Apart from this Maruti Suzuki has also asked Fiat to regularly deliver the 1.3 multi-jet diesel run power-train.
Fiat operates in India in joint venture with Tata Motors and hence it supplies its renowned engine to the home-based automaker; which uses the same to power its diesel run Tata Indigo Manza and Tata Indica Vista. Now in order to supply diesel engines to Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors authorization is deed important; which is awaited.
Fiat would be able to pass on the goods to Maruti Suzuki after Tata Motors approval, after which it will power Maruti’s small car Alto and hatchback Wagon R as at present they do not possess diesel engine. Once Wagon R and Alto gets diesel engine the same will make them the most affordable and easily maintainable cars, as petrol prices are on an all time high.
Mr. RC Bhargawa, Managing Director at Maruti Suzuki stated that as of now the company has with it the 1.3L engine supplied by Fiat and further it has asked the Italy based firm to develop a mini 1.0L diesel engine also. On asking about the required time to make such engines, he said that the company is not sure about the timeline, but it is certain to receive the smaller engine for its small cars.
