Utility vehicles maker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd today launched its Scorpio M2DI and Bolero SLX BS3 variants fitted with the FuelSmart system using with micro-hybrid technology in the Indian market and may extend it to its forthcoming Ingenio SUVs.

With this introduction M&M has become the country's first autio maker to offer the micro-hybrid technology, which it developed in collaboration with German engineering major Bosch.

This technology enables the engine of the SUVs to automatically switch off when idle, for instance at traffic lights, or when the vehicles are in neutral gear, and restart once the driver releases the clutch pedal. The system is based on conserving fuel when not required. The system leads to reduced running costs, and reduced emissions.

"This pioneering technology was specially created keeping in mind the heavy traffic congestion drivers have to face on our roads today," said Dr. Pawan Goenka, president, automotive sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. "An incremental cost of only Rs:3,800 makes the highly advantageous Mahindra FuelSmart System quite affordable. Therefore, it can be used across a large number of vehicles and make a significant difference to energy consumption."

The Mahindra FuelSmart system with Micro Hybrid technology switches off the vehicle's engine after it has come to a complete halt. For example, if the vehicle comes to a halt at a traffic signal and is in neutral, the engine will shut down automatically after 10 seconds. Just before stopping, the indicator light located in the instrument cluster will blink, indicating that the engine is going to stop shortly. Once the signal turns green and the driver presses the clutch pedal, the engine starts immediately for continuing the journey.

In addition to fuel efficiency, the system also has other advantages. Since the engine is switched off during traffic signals / traffic jams, release of a considerable amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is avoided. This mitigates the adverse effects of global warming, thus helping to provide us with a cleaner environment to live in.

How the FuelSmart system with micro hybrid technology works:

"The Mahindra FuelSmart system with Micro Hybrid technology reflects our commitment to sustainable growth," said Keshub Mahindra, chairman, Mahindra Group. "This initiative is part of our sustainable mobility solutions programme, which seeks to pioneer technologies that are not only fuel-efficient and innovative, but also environment friendly. The recent uncertainty in crude oil prices across the globe is a serious cause for concern and the Mahindra Micro Hybrids present a unique solution to mitigate the problem."

Acording to petroleum minister Murli Deora said, "Initiatives such as this will serve as a benchmark in India's sustainable energy programme." Today, global warming and pollution have become impediments in the face of development and we can overcome their adverse effects through path breaking technologies like the Mahindra FuelSmart system with Micro Hybrid technology."

The system also monitors health of the battery, safety requirements and the engine temperature, etc. for a trouble-free performance. Incidentally, Mahindra is also one of only four Indian companies to have received receive an A+ rating from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for its first Sustainability Report.