Hyundai is planning a diesel variant for its i10 compact hatchback to boost sales of the car in India where it is currently available only with a petrol engine.
The automaker already sells a three cylinder 1.1 diesel version in Europe (excluding the UK) and Shar Rukh Han, executive director, Hyundai Motor India, told The Hindu Business Line that this model is being considered for India because petrol i10 sales have fallen 15% this year.
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“With diesel car demand growing fast, we are trying to get a diesel engine for the i10 as well. We hope to do that soon,” he said during the media launch of the redesigned Elantra
Diesel is a fast growing segment in the country and currently accounts for 22% of sales, up from 17% last year. Hyundai is also working on a new utility vehicle platform for emerging markets which could be developed into a small SUV or MPV, insiders said.
Rakesh Srivastava, vice-president of sales at Hyundai Motor India told Business Line: “The UV segment has been evolving and growing very rapidly. We’re studying the market and will announce our plans when we’re ready.”
The fifth generation mid-size Elantra sedan will be sold in India with diesel and petrol engines. The company spent INR2bn (US$36m) at its Chennai plant to produce the new car and expects the diesel variant to account for 80% of sales.
