Maruti plans to launch LPG variant of M800
31 May 2008
New Delhi: India's biggest car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki plans to launch an LPG version of its M800 in a few weeks, the company stated.The new fuel variant is expected to be priced about Rs 20,000 more than the petrol versions. Maruti Suzuki currently offers LPG variants in its WagonR Duo and Omni LPG.
The petrol variants of M800 standard is priced Rs 1,93,063 (ex-showroom Delhi), while the AC version comes for Rs 2,13,558 (ex-showroom Delhi).
M800 the flagship car of Maruti,has completed 25 years in India and has been one of the most successful selling compact family hatch in the country.
With soaring oil prices carmakers are desperately looking for alternate options and LPG variants are in demand with the consumers. Also, M800 sales have dipped recently with consumers' preference shifting towards 'Alto', another Maruti brand. The car is likely to face stiff competition from 'Nano', the world's cheapest car made by Tata Motors, which will hit the markets soon.
Maruti is hoping to double the sales of its flagship model with the new variant. The LPG variants constitute around 23 per cent of national sales for WagonR as well as Omni
According to the company, the M800 LPG will work on gas mixer system based on Integrated Gas Technology, which will deliver a power of 35 ps @ 5000 rpm and torque of 56 nm @ 2500 rpm. The car is expected to emit 10 per cent lower carbon dioxide than the petrol variant.
The new car will be made at the Gurgaon facility in the same line as the petrol variant and will have factory fitted LPG kits intalled. Owners of the new car will benefit from all the warranty benefits, which are available on other car models of Maruti too, the company said.
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