Following Tata and Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India is to offer LPG-fuelled cars, expecting demand following an imminent hike in petrol prices.
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Maruti is launching an LPG variant of its M800 model this week and Hyundai plans similar variants of its Santro, Getz and Accent soon, according to the Hindustan Times. They follow Tata Motors’ Indica V2 Xeta LPG, which was launched last month.
The paper said that, though compressed natural gas is a relatively cheaper fuel, its limited range and availability appear to have tilted the Indian scale in favour of LPG, a kit for which costs less than half that of CNG. LPG also goes into a toroidal tank which helps preserve luggage space.
LPG variants cost around INR20,000-25,000 (US$470-$587) more than petrol-powered models and the Hyundai kits will be factory fitted.
“We will launch the LPG variant of Santro and Accent in the next two months. Eventually Getz Prime will also have an LPG variant but we do not have any plans of replicating this in the i10 as of now,” HMIL managing director HS Lheem told the Hindustan Times. Hyundai is, however, planning to launch a 1.2-litre petrol variant of the i10 and already offers a CNG variant of its flagship Santro.
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By GlobalDataMaruti is likely to name its new LPG car Maruti 800 Duo in line with the existing Wagon R Duo LPG hatchback, the paper said.
The 800, which is one of the oldest models on the roads today [it’s based on an early ’80s Suzuki Alto design], carries a price tag of INR193,000 ($4,500) for the standard variant and INR213,000 ($5,000) with air conditioning.
The Hindustan Times said Tata Motors launched the LPG Indica on 16 May. The dual fuel car reduces carbon dioxide emissions by about 10% and is available in two variants – GLE and GLS – priced at INR327,000 ($7,676) and INR342,000 ($8,028).
