After sucessful introduction of auto gear shift (AGS) technology across its entry- and mid-level cars last year, car major Maruti Suzuki has been witnessing encouraging response to its smart hybrid technology (SHT) introduced six months ago in its mid-size premium Ciaz and LUV Ertiga.
The company which introduced smart hybrid tech in Ciaz (diesel) in September 2015 followed with the Ertiga (diesel) in October 2015, has sold over 47,000 units until March.
Of the average monthly sales of 5,700 units of Ertiga (all versions), nearly 57% of sales come from smart hybrid tech. On the other hand, of the average monthly sales of 5,000 units of Ciaz (all versions), nearly 60% comes from smart hybrid tech version, said a senior official of Maruti in response to queries.
The official said that earlier both the models used to sell petrol/diesel units in the ratio of 50:50 every month. Post introduction of smart hybrid in diesel version, the demand for smart hybrid diesel versions has gone up substantially. Both the cars now sell only in smart hybrid diesel version, the official added.
“We have been witnessing encouraging response to smart hybrid diesel models in top 10 markets that account for over 45% nation sales. Delhi NCR & Mumbai, of course, lead the charts,” he said.
On the extension of smart hybrid to other models like that of AGS, the official said: “Typically model development is an ongoing effort at Maruti Suzuki. We introduced mild hybrids only last year. We may look at introducing the same in other models as and when market is ready.”
On the possible numbrs for FY16-17, the official said, “since current fiscal will be the full year for the two technologies, we expect better numbers. Last fiscal, we did close to 47,000 units (only six months). It is tough to put a number at present but we hope for more traction and demand in this technology.”
According to him, clear benefits of hybrids, include SHVS clean green technology. SHT improves fuel efficiency (for eg in case of Ertiga the improvement is about 18%, compared to outgoing diesel model). SHT technology is low on emissions, offers ease of driving with Gear Shift Indicator (GSI). It is an affordable technology unlike conventional hybrids where cost is exorbitant and it is an important step to hybridization. It makes hybrid technology accessible to a large number of people, the official pointed out.
Under union government’s National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 to promote sale of eco-friendly vehicles like hybrids entitles an additional incentive of R13,000. Both Ciaz & Ertiga SHTs are entitled to this benefit.
In addition, customers buying Ciaz SHT will get benefit of approximately 50% reduction in excise duty, as customers to pay only 12.5% vs 24% earlier.
“In our view just like Auto Gear Shift Technology democratized two pedal technology, Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) will democratize hybridization in the country,” the official said further.
AGS technology was introduced across Alto, WagonR, Celerio and DZire models a year ago and the company has sold over 1 lakh units of AGS till now.
