With soaring prices of petro and likely hikes in the price of diesel, consumers are scouting for other alternative options. Automakers are cashing in on this by promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cars.
Using an advanced twin computer technology, Maruti has designed and modified its vehicles-Eco van, Alto, Wagon R, Estilo, SX4 to name a few, to run on CNG. As compared to their older counter parts, these new generation CNG cars offer a much better performance. The reason being these new CNG cars are fitted with integrated cylinders capable of monitoring engine performance. Commenting on the efficiency of these CNG cars, I.V. Rao of Maruti commented, “Today’s generation of specially designed CNG vehicles give you almost the same performance as their petrol powered counterparts at half the cost.”
To give competition to Maruti, many other automakers are offering CNG cars in the market. Toyota offers Innova and Corolla Altis in CNG, while General Motors offers Aveo model in CNG. According to Karl Slym, Managing Director of GM, India, Aveo CNG’s running cost is approximately 54% lower than a similar vehicle powered by petrol and 25% lower than a similar vehicle powered by diesel.