On the eve of World Environment Day, Maruti Suzuki India Limited took a significant step towards sustainable mobility and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by launching India’s first flex-fuel passenger car. The launch was held in the distinguished presence of Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, and Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri.
A flex-fuel vehicle offers customers the flexibility to operate on any blend of petrol and ethanol, ranging from E20 to E100, providing a cleaner and more sustainable transportation solution while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Maruti Suzuki has introduced this advanced flex-fuel technology in the Wagon R, one of its most popular and trusted models. The Wagon R has consistently been at the forefront of alternative fuel adoption in India, having previously pioneered CNG and LPG-powered variants. With the introduction of the flex-fuel Wagon R, Maruti Suzuki further strengthens its commitment to supporting the country’s green mobility transition and ethanol-based fuel ecosystem.
With the launch of India’s first flex-fuel car, Maruti Suzuki brings innovation aligned with national energy security and sustainability goals. In addition to a significant reduction in oil imports, flex-fuel vehicles can also help to boost farmer income.
Speaking at the launch event, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, said, “India imports a large quantity of crude oil every year, and biofuels like ethanol are an important pathway towards reducing this dependence while strengthening our rural economy. Flex-Fuel Vehicles can create a strong and sustainable demand for ethanol, benefiting our farmers, industry, and the environment together. I appreciate Maruti Suzuki for taking this leadership step by introducing India’s first flex-fuel car and supporting the Government’s vision of clean and self-reliant mobility. I am confident that this initiative will encourage other car manufacturers to launch their flex-fuel models and oil industry to enhance ethanol distribution infrastructure.”
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, remarked, “India’s ethanol journey is unstoppable. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we have transformed our farmers from `annadatas’ to ‘urjadatas’, while strengthening India’s energy security. Flex-Fuel Vehicles are a win-win for the nation – reducing crude oil import dependence, saving valuable foreign exchange, lowering emissions, and creating new opportunities for rural prosperity. I congratulate Maruti Suzuki on taking this important step towards a cleaner, greener, and more self-reliant energy future.”
Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “At Maruti Suzuki, we are committed to offer cars with multiple technologies and fuels. The Company is introducing BEVs, Hybrids, CNG/CBG and ethanol flex-fuel vehicles to meet India’s twin goals of reducing oil import and carbon emissions. The ecosystem for ethanol as a fuel in India is in its early stages, and as a market leader, we think it is our responsibility to contribute to make `India Go Flex’. Once it reaches mainstream adoption, Flex-Fuel Vehicles have the potential to cut oil imports, carbon emissions, and local air pollution while enhancing domestic value addition and farmer incomes.”
