Maruti Suzuki is planning to introduce CNG cars that will be BS-IV compliant in the small car and sedan segment. The company has taken this decision seeing the growing demand for cars that run on alternative fuels other than the conventional fuel. Maruti will source natural gas from the Reliance Industries and GAIL. As there are only few CNG stations available in India, the company along with the Reliance Industries and GAIL plans to create a strong network of CNG stations. Meanwhile, GAIL (Gas Authority of India) will expand the network covering over 80 percent of major cities in India.
The process to scale up the number of CNG stations has already started which will be easily available in 40 cities by 2010 across the country. This will provide an easy access of CNG to the car owners and will also help increase the number of CNG car users.
Not only Maruti Suzuki, many other car manufacturers also want to add CNG and LPG variants in their portfolio. But lack of easy availability of the fuel had discouraged them from launching these vehicles. However, the new development in this arena promises a green future for India as natural gases are light on environment and also give better mileage compared to petrol and diesel models.
It is a very wise decision. Most of the car manufacturers are introducing CNG and LPG version cars and at this time it is the right decision taken by the company. I also read that Reliance will be coming out with the CNG station and once it is set up. The number of CNG cars on the roads will be increased.