New Delhi: The country’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki Thursday said it will stop production of diesel vehicles once BS VI emission norms become effective from April 1, 2020. Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava said, “In small cars, the cost of upgrading diesel engines to BS VI standards will be substantial. With the price increase, these vehicles will become unviable for use by customers. We will completely stop selling diesel vehicles from April next year.” Currently, diesel vehicles comprise 23% of the company’s overall volumes.
Bhargava added that if the company sees demand for diesel vehicles post the introduction of BS VI norms, it may consider developing a compliant 1500cc diesel engine. “The only segment where we may look at having a BS VI complaint Diesel engine is the 1500 cc. Nothing below that. If there is demand, we will develop a 1500 cc diesel vehicle within a reasonable period of time”, Bhargava informed.