Maruti S-Cross Hybrid variant shelved - Report

28/03/2018 - 11:26 Maruti S-Cross, Maruti Suzuki Dhruv Saxena

Maruti Suzuki has shelved plans of introducing its first full hybrid in India reports CNBC-TV18 via MoneyControl. As per the report, the Maruti S-Cross Hybrid was slated to be MSIL's first fully hybrid vehicle for our market.

2017 Maruti S-Cross facelift front three quarters low — Maruti S-Cross Hybrid was slated to be the company's first fully-hybrid product.

The primary reason for putting the plan on the backburner has been the Government's decision to deny incentives to hybrid vehicles in the GST structure. Reportedly being developed under the YGB codename, the Maruti S-Cross hybrid was scheduled to arrive in 2019. The publication's sources claim that MSIL has floated RSQs (Request for Quotations) for the YGB, which have now been withdrawn.

Additionally, Maruti Suzuki is also re-evaluating the use of mild hybrid (Smart Hybrid), which models like the Ciaz, Ertiga, and the S-Cross are equipped with. There is a possibility that upcoming Ciaz facelift and new-gen Ertiga might give mild hybrid technology a miss.

According to a report from October 2017, parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation had placed its bet on hybrids for the Indian market, despite the Government push for full-electric mobility. Five months down the line, going by the latest report, the company seems to have had a rethink of its strategy.

2017 Maruti S-Cross facelift SMart Hybrid badge — MSIL may drop mild-hybrid tech from its current model lineup.

Also Read - Maruti Suzuki EVs unlikely to cost under 6 lakhs

Maruti Suzuki has partnered with Toyota to launch EVs around 2020. This arrangement specifies that Toyota will provide technical support to Suzuki, while Suzuki will produce EVs and even supply to Toyota. In addition, Suzuki has also invested in a battery production facility to help keep costs in check. The first Maruti Suzuki EV is expected to arrive in 2020.

[source - MoneyControl]