As we reported earlier, Maruti Suzuki has launched 5 CNG powered vehicles powered by company’s flagship CNG engine technology ‘intelligent-Gas Port Injection’ (i-GPI). The models include base variants of Alto, Eeco 5-Seater, WagonR LXi, Estilo LXi and SX4 VXi and were unveiled by Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment and Forests in the presence of senior government dignitaries and Maruti Suzuki management team.

The i-GPI technology developed by Maruti R&D team, integrates CNG technology with the company’s range of engines and products to bring dual benefits – minimal loss in power and high fuel economy.  The i-GPI technology offers dual ECU’s – one for the Petrol and one for the CNG and uses seperate injectors for each cylinder and direct injection technology ensuring improved and consistent performance under various driving conditions. The quantity of gas to be injected is controlled by a dedicated ECU which leads to more efficient fuel usage.

The engine parts for the CNG models are made of special materials to deliver longer engine life and enhanced performance. The suspension has also been reinforced to take the extra weight and special stainless steel pre-formed pipes and joints have been used for 100% leak protection. Maruti Suzuki has tested each of the cars fitted with the i-GPI technology for around 2 lakh kilometers in varied terrains in addition to over 3,000 hours of bench testing to validate the design and performance. That apart the CNG cylinder frame design aids easy removal of the spare tyre and the kit also comes with an easy change over switch and an automode option. A multifunction lamp also lets you know if there is any problem.

The factory fitted CNG model come with full warranty benefits including the extended warranty.

The i-GPI CNG range includes SX4, WagonR, Alto, Estilo and Eeco and have been launched in Delhi, Gujrat and Mumbai.

Pricing information and the press release after the jump.

All prices Ex-Showroom, Delhi.

SX4 VXi – Rs 7.47 Lakhs

WagonR LXi – Rs 4.11 Lakhs

Estilo LXi – 4.05 Lakhs

Eeco 5-Seater – 3.64 Lakhs

Alto LXi – 3.23 Lakhs

Press Release

Maruti Suzuki introduces next generation CNG technology

New Delhi, August 13, 2010

Launches five factory-fitted CNG models across segments

Advantage Customer: Contemporary i-GPI technology Vehicle body design for CNG system Performance and Driveability at par with gasoline powered engine Safety reinforced: High Quality Components, Integrated wiring harness, CNG system leak-proofing, toughened suspension High fuel efficiency Dual ECU system for enhanced performance Lower running costs by 60 percent Extensive performance testing Peace of Mind: Full warranty coverage, Service support across the country No compromise on engine life

The country’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki today unveiled its flagship CNG engine technology, ‘intelligent-Gas Port Injection’ or i-GPI on five popular models. The CNG vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment and Forests in the presence of senior government dignitaries and Maruti Suzuki management team. The models include SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto and are being launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujrat. With this initiative, the CNG footprint of the company spreads across entry level cars, compact cars, sedans and MPV segments. On the occasion, Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava said, ¿We are happy to bring contemporary CNG technology to the Indian customer. We are confident customers would value our i-GPI technology that is safe, reliable, clean, responsive and environment friendly. Adapting the CNG technology in our vehicles is another step to keep low cost of ownership for our customers.¿ Shinzo Nakanishi Managing Director & CEO Maruti Suzuki India said, ¿The development is significant on multiple counts. This is the first instance when a car manufacturer has developed and launched factory-fitted technologically superior CNG engines in India. Compressed Natural Gas is environment friendly and also reduce country’s dependence on imported fuels. Maruti Suzuki’s big ticket entry into CNG fuel segment augurs well for the environment.¿

Peppy and responsive ‘intelligent-GPI technology’ The i-GPI or Intelligent Gas Port Injection bi-fuel technology offers an intelligent ride. Intelligent as it ensures more power vis-à-vis retro-fitted CNG vehicles and offers a peppier ride experience at par with that of a petrol-fuelled engine, while achieving high fuel efficiency at the same time. The factory fitted CNG vehicles score very high on safety and reliability vis-à-vis the aftermarket retro-fitted options. Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles pass through all the quality checks, processes and systems similar to a regular car manufactured at Maruti Suzuki plants. Service support across the country As the CNG technology is factory fitted the customers will enjoy the full warranty benefits including extended warranty. To top it all, the CNG vehicles from Maruti Suzuki will enjoy the nationwide back up of over 2700 Maruti Service Stations. The simultaneous launch of five CNG vehicles with the same contemporary technology demonstrates the company’s intent and future readiness to produce environmentally friendly vehicles in large numbers.

Steps in Environment care Maruti Suzuki has the distinction of introducing a host of environment friendly programmes ahead of government regulations and the industry. This includes implementing End of Life Vehicle (ELV) programme ¿ where harmful elements like Lead, Cadmium, Chromium and Mercury are not used in making vehicles. Maruti Suzuki produced the first BS-IV and E-10 compliant engines much ahead of regulations coming to force in the country. Developing a factory-fitted CNG engine is another effort by the Company to contribute to a clean environment. Technology up The factory fitted CNG vehicles use advanced Intelligent Gas Port Injection technology. Maruti Suzuki R&D team has integrated this technology with the Company’s range of engines and products to bring the benefits to the consumers. In a leap over alternative aftermarket options, the i-GPI technology is a Dual ECU (Engine Control Unit) technology. This highly reliable system delivers accurate amounts of gas to the engine thus ensuring improved and consistent performance under various driving conditions. The i-GPI technology uses separate injectors for each cylinder. Based on inputs from the ECU, metered CNG quantity is injected to the engine through gas ports. The quantity of CNG required for different driving conditions is controlled by the dedicated ECU, leading to more efficient fuel usage. Similar to the usual pre-launch evaluation, each of the cars with i-GPI CNG technology has been extensively tested for around 2 lakh kilometers in varied terrains. In addition, over 3,000 hours of bench tests have validated the design and performance to bring unmatchable combination of performance and reliability for the customers. While working on the new CNG technology, Maruti Suzuki engineers focused on critical aspects of safety, reliability and performance.

CNG for the future Government of India has committed to developing the infrastructure and network of the CNG stations across the country. This is in line with government’s aim to reduce the dependence on import of fossil fuels. With the discovery of large gas reserves in the country the network of CNG supplies is set to expand rapidly in near future. Maruti Suzuki’s launch of CNG technology vehicles will help create the eco system for use of a clean and cost effective fuel in India. The Ex-showroom Delhi price (Rs Lakh) of Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles is as under

Alto Lxi Eeco 5-seater Ac SX4 Vxi WagonR Lxi Estilo Lxi 3.23 3.64 7.47 4.11 4.05

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As we reported earlier, Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch 5 new CNG fueled variants of its cars by the middle of this month.

CNG fueled variants of Alto, Estilo, Wagon-R, Rtiz and SX4 will be launched which are expected to come with Sequential CNG kits for negligible power loss and better economy. Small car buyers are extremely sensitive to price and running costs and the company wants to make its cars affordable for the middle class and lower income middle class income groups.

The move will also help Maruti claw back its market share which has dropped from 50 percent to 47.5 percent in the first quarter. The company is hoping that move to CNG will improve sales by upto 25% especially in the bigger metro’s where there’s ample availability of the cheaper fuel.

This is a good news for the end consumer which not only get minimal loss in performance but also cheaper running cost with greater environment credentials.

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Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch CNG fueled versions of their portfolio of cars starting with the WagonR which will be launched in the Indian market by October 2010. Ritz, Estilo, Alto and the SX4 will also get CNG variants subsequently.

Maruti has been working on the technology for around two years and according to the manufacturer, it is almost ready now. We had earlier reported that Maruti would launch factory fitted CNG vehicles in the next fiscal which co-incides with the October launch date for the new CNG WagonR.

The small car buyers are extremely sensitive to price and the company wants to make its cars affordable to run and own for middle class and lower middle class income groups. Maruti Suzuki had recently launched the all new WagonR without the dual fuel variant and we have been getting regular enquiries for the same.

According to I V Rao, Managing Executive Officer (Engineering), Maruti Suzuki

“We have been working on the CNG technology for the last two years and it is almost ready. These products are of high quality and there will be no compromise on safety standards. Most of the parts are imported from Europe, US and Japan. There will be some cost to it.”

Maruti Suzuki will use the latest in CNG technology, iGPI  (Intelligent Gas Port Injection) system which calculates the precise amount of gas being injected into each cylinder electronically reducing the power losses to bare minimum while also increasing the fuel efficiency at the same time. The technology is the latest and hence won’t come cheap. The CNG version of the WagonR is expected to cost Rs 70,000 more than the petrol fueled version.

CNG variants of the other cars will follow afterwards.

Source: Business-Standard

Related Posts

• October 2, 2010 -- Record Sales For Maruti Suzuki In September 2010
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• September 17, 2010 -- Maruti Planning SX4 Diesel, Launch By Mid 2011
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Swift “One Million” Limited Edition
• September 1, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Reports Best Ever Sales In August 2010
• August 29, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches Limited Edition Ritz Genus
• August 15, 2010 -- Maruti Suzuki Launches A-Star Automatic @ Rs 4.35 Lacs

GM India have officially launched the flex fuel variant of the Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 which in addition to petrol, can also run on CNG. The car was shown at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi earlier this year. The new Aveo CNG comes with an advanced and first in India Sequential CNG kit which injects precise amount of gas in each cylinder for optimum performance and economy. The kit further includes high quality fuel selector switch and wiring to ensure safety and trouble free performance.

The 1.4 liter VGIS engine has also been modified suitably for the CNG application. The engine now comes with hardened seat valves and anodized piston valves to compensate for the wear and tear which happens when it runs on dry gaseous fuels like CNG. Chevrolet India is also offering a 3 year or 100,000 kilometers warranty on the CNG Aveo which in many ways displays the confidence the company has in its product.

One thing that you would loose is the boot space which has been mostly occupied by the CNG cylinder but with the performance and economy combination the car represents, the owners wouldn’t mind it at all. The move is aimed at increasing the Aveo sales which have been on a bit of a downward slide since the past few months. The company is also working on the 2012 Aveo which will see an India introduction soon after its international launch.

The new Chevrolet Aveo CNG has been priced at Rs. 6,21,000 Ex-Showroom, Delhi and is a good deal for someone who is looking for class leading economy and performance is a sedan packaged with nice and comfy interiors.

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If its one company who’s taking all the right steps these days, its GM. After launching the all new Beat at an ultra competitive Rs 3.34 Lakhs, Chevrolet has now announced the launch of Aveo Dual fuel which comes with an advanced and a first for India, Sequential CNG kit.

To explain in layman fashion technology wise, if the normal CNG kits are carburetter, the Sequential Kit is MPFi (although it actually is!). For the more tech inclined, in Sequential CNG kits the ECU calculates the opening times of the injector for each cylinder injecting it with just the precise amount of gas for optimum performance and economy.

Jump over for more details.

All this means that the engine will see minimal deterioration in performance in comparison to petrol mode. Its like having your cake and eating it too! The other changes to the engine includes hardened valve seats and anodized pistons to ensure that there is no damage in the long run considering CNG is a dry fuel. Chevrolet has also modified the suspension to take care of the extra weight of the CNG kit which means no impact on ride and handling as well.

The Aveo CNG will come with industry leading 3 years/100,000 km standard warranty and a service interval of 5,000 kms or six months, whichever is earlier. The car will be available from the first week of February onwards in Delhi & NCR.

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