Maruti-Suzuki launches five iGPI-fitted NGVs simultaneously.
Introduces Next Generation CNG Technology
India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki has 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 the Maruti Suzuki management team. The natural gas vehicle models include SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto and are being launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujrat.
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.”
Fuel costs in India (graph supplied by Maruti)
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 the country’s dependence on imported fuels.”
Maruti says the factory fitted i-GPI or Intelligent Gas Port Injection bi-fuel technology ensures more power vis-à-vis retro-fitted CNG vehicles, offers a peppier ride experience at par with that of a petrol-fuelled engine and achieves high fuel efficiency.
Maruti has provided full warranty benefits, including extended warranty, and a nationwide back up of over 2700 Maruti Service Stations.
The company says the simultaneous launch of five CNG vehicles with the same contemporary technology demonstrates its intent and future readiness to produce environmentally friendly vehicles in large numbers. With this initiative, the company now has NGV models for entry level cars, compact cars, sedans and MPV segments.
Technology
The i-GPI technology is a Dual ECU (Engine Control Unit) technology, delivering accurate amounts of gas to the engine to ensure 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.
Pricing
The Ex-showroom Delhi price (Rs Lakh) of Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles is as follows:
- Alto Lxi – 323,000 rupees (USD 6,870)
- Estilo Lxi – 405,000 rupees (USD 8,615)
- WagonR Lxi – 411,000 rupees (USD 8,745),
- Eeco 5-seater Ac – 364,000 rupees (USD 7,745)
- SX4 Vxi – 747,000 rupees (USD 15,890).
Future CNG supply
Current CNG centres in India
The 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 the near future.
In a related article carried by Sify.com ( IANS news), Mr. L. Mansingh, chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, spoke at the Maruti Suzuki launch about plans for extending the network of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations along all the highways in the country and opening up gas networks in 25 cities in the next three years. The report added that india is expected to have around 1,500 CNG gas stations by 2014-15.option of clean fuel CNG or conventional fuel.
Item compiled using information from a Maruti Suzuki India Limited press release.
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