With the aim of cashing in on the high demand for diesel car models in India, automobile manufacturers are planning new diesel cars to be launched in 2012. While most of the automakers are expanding their diesel car portfolio, some of them are in the process of developing diesel engines. This is due to a significant shift of demand from petrol cars to diesel cars due to the price hike on petrol.
The American automaker General Motors plans to launch three new car models in 2012 with both diesel and petrol options. Hyundai Motor India has lined up the new Elantra in a diesel version for a launch in September 2012. Mahindra & Mahindra which has a strong diesel car portfolio will introduce the mini-Xylo and a new and compact version of the Verito sedan.
With the frequent hikes in petrol price throughout the year 2011 and in 2012, the diesel car sales have been growing resulting in an increase of 35 percent in the diesel car production capacity in the fiscal 2011-12. Carmakers have been increasing diesel car production capacity to keep up with the increase in demand.