New Delhi, June 4: In a significant step towards promoting cleaner and sustainable mobility solutions, Maruti Suzuki on Thursday unveiled India’s first flex-fuel passenger vehicle, the WagonR Flex Fuel prototype, ahead of World Environment Day, which will be observed on June 5.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri. The event marked an important milestone in the country’s efforts to expand the use of alternative fuels and reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
Flex-fuel vehicles are capable of running on a blend of petrol and ethanol, including high ethanol concentrations. The technology is seen as a key component of India’s strategy to lower carbon emissions, support domestic agriculture through increased ethanol production, and enhance energy security.
While Maruti Suzuki showcased the WagonR Flex Fuel prototype, the company did not disclose detailed specifications or launch timelines for the vehicle. Industry observers expect more information regarding the model’s engine configuration, fuel compatibility, performance figures, and commercial launch plans to be announced closer to its market introduction.
Speaking at the event, Nitin Gadkari reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting alternative fuels across the transportation sector. He highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of ethanol-based fuels and called upon automobile manufacturers to accelerate the adoption of flex-fuel technology.
Gadkari also revealed that the government is considering the introduction of diesel blended with 15 per cent Isobutanol, a biofuel that can help reduce emissions and improve fuel sustainability. The proposal is part of broader efforts to diversify India’s fuel mix and decrease reliance on imported crude oil.
In another notable announcement, the minister urged major automobile manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp, to explore the possibility of converting older vehicles into flex-fuel-compatible models. He further suggested that such conversions should be aligned with Euro 6 emission standards to ensure improved environmental performance and compliance with modern regulations.
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the growing role of biofuels in India’s energy transition and underscored the government’s efforts to expand ethanol production capacity across the country.
The unveiling of the WagonR Flex Fuel prototype signals a new chapter in India’s automotive sector as manufacturers and policymakers work together to promote greener mobility solutions and accelerate the nation’s transition toward cleaner transportation.
