TL;DR
Maruti Suzuki is preparing to launch its first flex-fuel vehicle in India by March 2026, aiming to reduce oil imports and offer more affordable, cleaner mobility solutions.
Maruti Suzuki, India's largest automaker, is set to introduce its first flex-fuel model in the Indian market by March 2026. This initiative aligns with the government's push for ethanol-blended fuels to reduce oil imports and meet new emission regulations under updated Bharat Stage VI Phase 2 rules.
While specific models like the Brezza or Fronx are likely candidates for this technology, other major players such as Toyota, Hyundai, and Tata are also reportedly testing flex-fuel technologies and may soon follow suit. Flex-fuel vehicles are expected to gain credits towards fuel efficiency targets under the updated regulations, potentially comprising 5% to 10% of new car sales by the end of 2026.
The introduction of flex-fuel vehicles is anticipated to offer consumers a more affordable alternative to traditional petrol cars, with expected starting prices around ₹10 to 12 lakh, addressing concerns about rising fuel costs. This development is crucial in diversifying India's energy basket and accelerating the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies.
