According to figures from the industry’s trade group, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, sales of diesel cars in the passenger car class, which includes hatchbacks and sedans, are now at 1.4% (April-February FY23), down from 11.4% in FY20 (SIAM). With the switch to BS-VI norms in April 2020, Maruti Suzuki, Skoda-VW, and Renault-Nissan among its competitors totally abandoned the diesel car category in the domestic market. With its lineup of SUVs, Hyundai, however, indicated it will keep making diesel versions of the vehicles. The Hyundai Motor Company plans to discontinue its diesel sedan sales in India.
The sale of sedans powered by diesel engines will end, according to Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL). The change, which is a component of the South Korean automaker’s transition to a greener portfolio, is scheduled to go into effect in the next fiscal year.
The Verna, Creta, Elantra, and Xcent are among the revised range of HMIL’s diesel cars; petrol-powered versions will take their place. According to the firm, the modification is being made in an effort to comply with increasing emission laws as well as more closely match the Indian government’s commitment to improved air quality.
The goal of the Indian government is to create a greener and more sustainable future, and Hyundai Motor India Ltd. is dedicated to that goal, according to HMIL Managing Director SS Kim. We are actively decreasing our environmental impact by moving away from diesel vehicles, the company said.
After previous adjustments made by HMIL recently, the decision to stop selling diesel cars is the latest. The corporation has already cut in half the number of diesel vehicles in its lineup and added a number of gasoline vehicles that are environmentally friendly. The fuel efficiency, emissions, and operating noise of these new engine designs have all been enhanced.
Moreover, the business unveiled its ambitious “Green Vehicle Vision 2030” strategy in 2017, with the goal of making all of HMIL’s vehicles electric by that time. By taking this action, the business will catch up to other automakers that are switching to electric and hybrid automobiles throughout the world.
HMIL has said that diesel engines would continue to be offered in its utility vehicles and light trucks, notwithstanding the move away from models with diesel engines. Also, the business has committed to keeping up its investment in the advancement of diesel technology with the goal of further lowering emissions and enhancing fuel effectiveness.
According to HMIL’s news statement, it will continue to prioritize offering Indian consumers automobiles that uphold the highest standards of performance and quality while pursuing the most stringent environmental sustainability criteria.
Earlier, Hyundai India introduced the new Verna 2023 sedan, which starts at a price of Rs 10.9 lakh (ex-showroom). Hyundai’s newest entry into the small sedan market is the 2023 version of the vehicle. It now has updated styling, a more upscale interior, improved safety features, and petrol-only powerplant choices.
