Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, is gearing up for a significant boost in compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle sales, with expectations of a more than 30 percent increase to around 600,000 units in the current fiscal year. This projection was shared by Rahul Bharti, Executive Director Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki India, during an analyst call.
The company’s robust CNG vehicle lineup spans various models, including popular choices like WagonR, Brezza, Dzire, and Ertiga, catering to the domestic market’s growing demand for eco-friendly mobility solutions.
“Last year, we sold about 450,000 CNG vehicles in the passenger vehicle segment. We are targeting around 600,000 vehicles in FY24-25,” stated Bharti, outlining the ambitious growth trajectory for Maruti Suzuki’s CNG offerings.
In addition to bolstering domestic sales, Maruti Suzuki India aims to significantly expand its global footprint, with plans to export approximately 300,000 units during the ongoing financial year. Bharti’s comments underscore the company’s commitment to enhancing both domestic and international market presence.
Responding to queries regarding Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming plant at Kharkhoda in Haryana, Bharti emphasized the strategic significance of the project within the company’s growth agenda. “Construction is already underway at Kharkhoda, and the first plant with an annual production capacity of 250,000 units is on track to commence operations in 2025,” he confirmed.
Kharkhoda presents ample opportunities for Maruti Suzuki to scale up its manufacturing capabilities, with plans to establish four plants at the site, collectively boasting a total capacity of 1 million units. This ambitious expansion aligns with the company’s overarching goal of achieving an annual production target of 4 million vehicles by the fiscal year 2030-31, representing nearly double the current output levels.
Maruti Suzuki’s proactive stance towards sustainable mobility and strategic investments in production infrastructure position the company to capitalize on evolving market trends while reinforcing its leadership position in India’s automotive landscape.
