CNG seems to be the new mantra of the Indian auto industry and everybody wants a piece of the pie when it comes to CNG. Just when Maruti Suzuki announced their willingness to bring out CNG variants of their existing cars, Tata Motors who didn’t want to be left behind in the rat race for cars powered by CNG, has jumped in the bandwagon.
Tata Motors could, in the next six months, launch their CNG variants of Tata Indica and Tata Indigo. Currently, CNG versions of these models is being offered by the company with after-sales fitment of gas kits. Tata Motors which is not new to CNG variants had been making these variants about three years back. But they stopped as they see CNG variants as viable options.
Tata Motors perceives that CNG will be the ultimate clean fuel to run cars. The recent discoveries of the natural gas in the Krishna-Godavari basin in Andhra Pradesh, has encouraged most car manufacturers in India to plan CNG variants for their existing portfolio. Car manufacturers feel that CNG variants will be highly successful commercially compared to diesel, LPG or hybrid cars. The government too is expected to enhance the distribution network by the end of next year.
CNG or compressed natural gas is considered a clean fuel for its low emission levels and high performance. It does not hamper the power output in any way.
If this happens, India will be the first country to make wide use of CNG cars. Even United States and the Western European countries do not make use of this technology today. It is important that car manufacturers in India make full use of the technology to show other countries that it is capable of innovation.
Labels: CNG, LPG, Tata-Indica, Tata-Indigo, Tata-Motors
