Maruti Suzuki India has introduced the WagonR Flex Fuel, India’s first mass-market passenger vehicle engineered to operate on ethanol-petrol blends ranging from E20 to E100, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions. Designed to run on up to 100% ethanol, the vehicle aligns with the Government of India’s efforts to reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels, enhance energy security and accelerate the adoption of biofuels. The unveiling was attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Mr. Nitin Gadkari, who highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives to promote cleaner transportation technologies. The statement further emphasised that plans are underway to introduce diesel blended with 15% isobutanol, while automobile manufacturers are being encouraged to explore the conversion of older vehicles into flex-fuel-compatible models in line with stricter emission norms.
The statement noted that wider adoption of alternative fuels would help reduce vehicular emissions and complement the vehicle modernisation initiative aimed at replacing older, more polluting vehicles. It further emphasised the automobile industry’s growing contribution to India’s economy, highlighting the country’s position as the world’s third-largest automobile market. Maruti Suzuki Managing Director and CEO Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi stated that the company is investing in compressed biogas (CBG) projects and exploring hydrogen-based fuel technologies as part of its long-term sustainability strategy. Additionally, Senior Executive Officer for Marketing and Sales Mr. Partho Banerjee noted that Maruti Suzuki accounted for nearly half of all green vehicles sold in India during FY25, underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding clean mobility solutions.
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