‘Different powertrain technologies will play a crucial role’
With “hybrid” finally becoming a buzzword, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, gives insight into the scenario in India
We must say we are happy that hybrid technology is getting into the spotlight. About time, don’t you think?
We are delighted to witness the growing recognition and adoption of strong hybrid technology in the industry. It is a positive development that strong hybrid technology is finally receiving the attention it deserves. At Maruti Suzuki, we have always been committed to innovation and sustainability and the strong hybrid technology aligns perfectly with our vision of providing environmentally friendly mobility solutions to our customers. We believe that the spotlight on the strong hybrid technology marks a significant step forward in pursuing cleaner and more efficient transport options and we are excited to contribute to this positive change.
What is your view about hybrid vehicles, HEV, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV), vis-a-vis electric vehicles (EV)? Would you consider more energy-efficient solutions given the market?
We recognise the importance of offering a diverse range of vehicles to meet the varying needs and preferences of our customers. While we continue to invest in and promote the development of the strong hybrid technology, we also understand the growing demand for electric vehicles in the market.
All in all, we are focused on customer-centricity and committed to exploring and investing in more energy-efficient solutions to ensure that we continue to provide innovative and sustainable mobility to our customers while also contributing to a cleaner and greener future.
As an early adopter of hybrid technology, have sales been encouraging?
For Maruti Suzuki, sales of strong hybrids are on the rise as more buyers become aware of this technology that offers significantly low tail-pipe emission without any range anxiety often associated with EV. Furthermore, thanks to the strong reception, in the past six months [H2 FY 2023-24], hybrids have outsold the EVs, with over 52,000 hybrids sold as compared to almost 50,000 EVs. Continuing this trend, the number of strong hybrids sold by the industry totalled 89,000 in FY 2023-24 and more than 16,000 were sold by Maruti Suzuki.
With prices rising across the board, is there room for a compact hybrid vehicle?
While I cannot comment on any future product offerings, what I can tell you is that the Indian automobile industry is on the cusp of a major shift towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility options in the next five to 10 years. Different powertrain technologies will play a crucial role in this transformation. From a projected total of six million sales by FY 2031, three million units will come from Maruti Suzuki and we expect 25 per cent of our sales to consist of strong hybrids.
Do you believe we need a change in the taxation structure? Would the ministry go ahead with the proposed lower GST for hybrid cars in the interest of efficiency and lowering use of fuel?
The current policies of the Indian government play a significant role in shaping the landscape for sustainable transport in the country. We believe the government has always worked closely with the industry stakeholders for its overall growth and it is becoming increasingly apparent that tax rationalization should be more closely aligned with reducing emission, rather than focusing on specific technologies.
This perspective is vital for creating an environment that encourages the adoption of a broader range of sustainable automotive technologies, including strong hybrids and CNG. Furthermore, by providing financial incentives for lower emission, the government can drive the industry towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future, aligned with global climate objectives and national environmental targets.
However, globally, there is an ongoing debate on whether the focus, in the long run, should be on tail-pipe emission or implementing the idea of “wellto-wheel”.