Maruti leads in fuel efficiency in all segments
Last Updated IST
MSIL's Executive director, Engineering,C V Raman: Cost of ownership, which includes the cost of running a car, is one of the key determinants for consumers.
Indian customers’ obsession with ‘Kitna Deti Hai?’ is no secret. During the years in which fuel costs went soaring, the entry-level customer felt the pinch and the sales of entry-segment cars took a beating. Fuel efficiency, therefore, is the top priority for MSIL
Indian automobile market leader Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) prides itself on continuously working towards improving the fuel efficiency of its models. It also places a premium on adopting the latest in technology. In an email interaction with Deccan Herald’s Umesh M Avvannavar, MSIL’s Executive director, Engineering, CV Raman, talks about the latest developments on the fuel efficiency and technology fronts.
Suzuki has furthered its commitment in the realm of fuel efficiency of its cars. Please explain the company's push in the area of fuel efficiency, and also a note about the different technologies displayed at the Geneva Motor Show?
Yes, Maruti Suzuki has consciously worked towards improving fuel efficiency of its models across all segments. All successive recent launches such as the new Alto K-10, minor changes of DZire and Swift, Ciaz, etc. are offering class- leading fuel efficiencies. It surely demonstrates Suzuki’s commitment to retain its leadership in fuel efficiency.
Next generation technologies showcased at the Geneva Motor Show 2015 also demonstrate Suzuki’s capability towards enhancing fuel efficiency. Going forward, we will work towards bringing some of these technologies to India to retain our edge. Pegged as environmental technologies, these have been developed under three themes — upgrading body design, increasing powertrain efficiency, and energy management. These technologies will not only enhance fuel efficiency, but also raise vehicle performance.
New Generation Platform
Suzuki’s new-generation platform is designed to efficiently increase rigidity while reducing weight via a fundamental redesign of the under-body’s structure and also optimising overall vehicle design. This improves fuel efficiency, safety, handling, stability and NVH performance across the board. Suzuki showcased it in concepts iK2 & iM-4.
BOOSTERJET is a 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo engine newly developed by Suzuki. It has been optimised to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements of compact cars.
Innovative SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) mild hybrid system incorporating an ISG (integrated starter generator), provides engine power assistance using the motor and achieves efficient power regeneration. The SHVS system features lithium-ion batteries. Coupled with a newly-developed high-efficiency ISG, this regenerative braking system is the perfect hybrid system for a compact car. As well as improving fuel efficiency, it also keeps down the size, weight, and cost.
How does MSIL view fuel efficiency as a differentiator while competing in a price-sensitive car market such as India?
Cost of ownership, which includes the cost of running a car, is one of the key determinants for consumers. The company continues to innovate and adopt new technologies that help in achieving higher fuel efficiency targets, while keeping the offerings affordable. Some recent examples that demonstrate our capability in this direction are as follows:
New DZire offers fuel efficiency of over 26.59 (India’s most fuel efficient offering in diesel; launched in Feb 2015)
New Alto K10 delivers 24.07 kmpl, which is an improvement of over 15% (launched Nov 2014)
New Swift Diesel offers a fuel efficiency of 25.2 kmpl, improvement of over 10% (launched October 2014)
New Swift Petrol with 9.67 % improvement returns fuel efficiency of 20.4 kmpl (launched October 2014)
Ciaz Diesel returns a fuel efficiency of 26.21 kmpl that is best in class (launched October 2014)
One of the biggest challenges before automatic transmission is compromised fuel efficiency when compared with manual transmission. With Celerio auto gear shift, Maruti Suzuki was successful in bringing auto gear shift technology convenience with no compromise on fuel efficiency.
Describe the Indian market’s relationship with mileage? MSI’s ad campaigns highlight the importance of mileage and the company’s seriousness in providing good mileage as a feature. How is Maruti maintaining its resolve in assuring good mileage to its cars?
Indian customers’ obsession with ‘Kitna Deti Hai?’ is no secret. During the years in which fuel costs went soaring, the entry-level customer felt the pinch and the sales of entry-segment cars took a beating. When fuel prices corrected last year onwards, there were improvements in first-time car buyer percentage for Maruti and the industry. Having said that, while automakers have little role to play in controlling fuel prices, we surely can work towards making our offerings more fuel efficient.
Several innovations by Maruti and Suzuki engineers to improve fuel efficiency include changes in engine hardware leading to improved thermal efficiency, reduced frictional losses, and changes in engine calibration. While the compact combustion chamber and higher compression ratio on gasoline engine helps to improve engine efficiency, the advanced thermal management system in diesel engine, along with low-friction engine oil and modified fuel injection system, help diesel engines in faster warm up and lower the frictional losses.
There are many competitors in the market offering good mileage as a major feature in their cars (in both petrol and diesel). What differentiates Maruti in this regard and why?
Maruti is a segment leader in all the segments where MSIL is operating. Sharing some recent examples where we are clearly class leaders:
As you can see, we are clear winners. Maruti Suzuki’s product development approach for enhancing the cost of ownership or reduction of CO2 has been in in two main areas:
1. New Technology Development
2. Alternate Fuel Vehicle Development
New Technology Development
While designing any new model, our focus is to bring down total cost of ownership for customers. The company has defined ‘cost of ownership’ as a combination of initial price, running cost (fuel efficiency, cost of servicing, cost of spare parts,) and residual cost. Through continuous improvement, we have been able to enhance fuel efficiency of our fleet to bring down running costs. The mandate is to enhance fuel efficiency of all fuel types so that the customer is benefited. We are able to enhance the fuel efficiency by working on the following parameters:
Power train related improvements
Weight reduction
Improvement in aerodynamics and tyres to reduce road resistance (Road load reduction)
Alternate Fuel Vehicle Development
The Company offers six models in the bi-fuel segment (petrol+ factory-fitted CNG) — Alto, Alto K-10, Wagon R, Celerio, Eeco, and Ertiga.
The company has been working on development of alternate fuel models since 2000. The company has sold over 4.1 lakh vehicles which have offset around 2.24 lakh tonnes of CO2 cumulatively till March 2014.
What are the technological advancements that MSI has achieved in terms of fuel efficiency in its models?
MSIL has been able to enhance the fuel efficiency by working on the following three parameters:
1. Power train related improvements
2. Weight reduction
3. Road load reduction
Power train related improvements
We have been working in the areas of thermal efficiency, friction reduction, smart calibration, and electric load reduction to enhance fuel efficiency of our vehicles. Because of our continuous efforts, we have enhanced the fuel efficiency in our line-up. A recent example is the Alto 800 fuel efficiency improvement. Fuel efficiency in Alto 800 gasoline was improved from 19.7 kmpl to 22.7 kmpl (+3 kmpl) which is a significant improvement of 15%. Similarly, for the CNG version, it was improved from 26.8 kmpl to 30.5 kmpl. This improvement was possible due to major changes in intake system and crank system in the proven F8D engine in order to bring out an eco-friendly car with the following system-level changes:
Intake system changed from aluminium to plastic
Light weight and low-skirt piston
Low-tension piston rings
Light weight con-rod and crankshaft
High compression ratio
Weight reduction
Reduction in weight is being targeted by automakers in order to achieve higher fuel efficiency to compete in the market. This is being achieved by us in the following manner:
Use of high tensile material for making body structure, and TWB (tailored welded blank) in body closures. Use of polymeric fuel tanks, lighter batteries, use of optimised specifications at component level for weight reduction such as battery, starter motor, ABS etc. Some examples are as follows:
In Swift
We used light weight battery weighing 500 gm lesser than the earlier version.
Introduced new generation light weight anti-locking braking system. Compact and light, weighing 15% less compared with ABS used in outgoing model.
Deployed light weight speakers; weight reduction of 1 kg/vehicle.
Steering lock material change — body material changed from conventional zinc alloy to magnesium alloy. Weight reduction of 400 gm/vehicle.
Six-layered light weight polymeric fuel tank; 30% lighter than conventional sheet metal fuel tanks. Lower weight, better fuel efficiency, better corrosion, and crash-resistant properties.
In Celerio
Over 11 kg weight reduction achieved in powertrain by use of plastic fuel rail, intake system weight optimisation, lighter engine mountings, plastic fan shroud and plastic fuel tank.
Over 15 kg weight reduction of body and doors through structure optimisation.
Increased use of high tensile steel.4.5 kg weight reduction by optimising thickness of interior trims.
Light weighting in chassis systems with weight reduction of 4.5 kg.
Road load reduction
Extensive use of CFD analysis is being done for reducing the coefficient of drag (Cd) for our vehicles. In our recent offering Alto 800, the coefficient of drag Cd was reduced by 6 per cent to enhance the fuel efficiency.
There has always been a debate between petrol and diesel cars surrounding the reliability and longevity of their respective engines. What are MSIL’s thoughts about the said preferences? How has that view shaped the way it designs and offers products to the Indian customer?
Both petrol and diesel engines being manufactured today are of top quality. The buyer decision for the fuel choice is based on extent of monthly driving. The customer may choose a petrol car if his daily running is say less than 40 km. Typically, diesel offerings by nature are more fuel-efficient but priced higher than gasoline. Customer takes a valued call on the basis of daily running and cost.
The world is looking at a future involving solar, hybrid and electric cars, among other ‘renewable’ and eco-friendly modes of transport. How does MSIL view this potential change in the years or decades to come? Going forward, will your innovations be geared towards sustaining the prevailing trends? Please explain.
There are two parts to this question a) first developing capability know-how or technical expertise to design such products; and b) infrastructure support for these technologies.
In recent years, the company has displayed its capability and know-how on several occasions. Maruti Suzuki has partnered with the government under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 and showcased models like Swift Range Extender Electric Vehicle (Swift RE-EV). Similarly the company had undertaken experimental projects in the field of hybrid and electric during the 2010 Commonwealth Games and showcased SX4 Hybrid and Eeco Electric.
Also Maruti Suzuki was the first company to bring factory-fitted CNG technology called the i-GPI (Intelligent Gas Port Injection Technology.
Therefore, the capability exists. But on the second part, which is infrastructure support, we are still a long way off. We appreciate the government’s efforts in popularising these technologies. But commercial success would rest on long-term infrastructure.
For instance, Swift RE-EV is an electric vehicle with an engine-driven generator. The vehicle functions like a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) for customers who commute short distances. Once the battery power gets depleted, the onboard IC engine starts functioning and runs the generator for supplying power to the electric motor, thereby eliminating the ‘range anxiety’ issue generally associated with BEVs. The vehicle can be charged at home from a household power outlet.
In essence, the Swift RE-EV provides an advantage over pure BEV as it overcomes the issue of battery charging/range limitation, thereby providing required flexibility and peace of mind to customers. Its range can be extended by using an onboard generator, which is powered by a small and efficient gasoline engine. Therefore, the user can turn a short trip into a longer excursion without worrying about the battery.
Compared with a pure BEV that depends entirely on battery power, the Swift RE-EV has a smaller battery that’s quicker to charge, weighs less, and uses fewer resources. We are ready but need more support from the government to make these viable.
Indian automobile market leader Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) prides itself on continuously working towards improving the fuel efficiency of its models. It also places a premium on adopting the latest in technology. In an email interaction with Deccan Herald’s Umesh M Avvannavar, MSIL’s Executive director, Engineering, CV Raman, talks about the latest developments on the fuel efficiency and technology fronts.
Suzuki has furthered its commitment in the realm of fuel efficiency of its cars. Please explain the company's push in the area of fuel efficiency, and also a note about the different technologies displayed at the Geneva Motor Show?
Yes, Maruti Suzuki has consciously worked towards improving fuel efficiency of its models across all segments. All successive recent launches such as the new Alto K-10, minor changes of DZire and Swift, Ciaz, etc. are offering class- leading fuel efficiencies. It surely demonstrates Suzuki’s commitment to retain its leadership in fuel efficiency.
Next generation technologies showcased at the Geneva Motor Show 2015 also demonstrate Suzuki’s capability towards enhancing fuel efficiency. Going forward, we will work towards bringing some of these technologies to India to retain our edge. Pegged as environmental technologies, these have been developed under three themes — upgrading body design, increasing powertrain efficiency, and energy management. These technologies will not only enhance fuel efficiency, but also raise vehicle performance.
New Generation Platform
Suzuki’s new-generation platform is designed to efficiently increase rigidity while reducing weight via a fundamental redesign of the under-body’s structure and also optimising overall vehicle design. This improves fuel efficiency, safety, handling, stability and NVH performance across the board. Suzuki showcased it in concepts iK2 & iM-4.
BOOSTERJET is a 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo engine newly developed by Suzuki. It has been optimised to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements of compact cars.
Innovative SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) mild hybrid system incorporating an ISG (integrated starter generator), provides engine power assistance using the motor and achieves efficient power regeneration. The SHVS system features lithium-ion batteries. Coupled with a newly-developed high-efficiency ISG, this regenerative braking system is the perfect hybrid system for a compact car. As well as improving fuel efficiency, it also keeps down the size, weight, and cost.
How does MSIL view fuel efficiency as a differentiator while competing in a price-sensitive car market such as India?
Cost of ownership, which includes the cost of running a car, is one of the key determinants for consumers. The company continues to innovate and adopt new technologies that help in achieving higher fuel efficiency targets, while keeping the offerings affordable. Some recent examples that demonstrate our capability in this direction are as follows:
New DZire offers fuel efficiency of over 26.59 (India’s most fuel efficient offering in diesel; launched in Feb 2015)
New Alto K10 delivers 24.07 kmpl, which is an improvement of over 15% (launched Nov 2014)
New Swift Diesel offers a fuel efficiency of 25.2 kmpl, improvement of over 10% (launched October 2014)
New Swift Petrol with 9.67 % improvement returns fuel efficiency of 20.4 kmpl (launched October 2014)
Ciaz Diesel returns a fuel efficiency of 26.21 kmpl that is best in class (launched October 2014)
One of the biggest challenges before automatic transmission is compromised fuel efficiency when compared with manual transmission. With Celerio auto gear shift, Maruti Suzuki was successful in bringing auto gear shift technology convenience with no compromise on fuel efficiency.
Describe the Indian market’s relationship with mileage? MSI’s ad campaigns highlight the importance of mileage and the company’s seriousness in providing good mileage as a feature. How is Maruti maintaining its resolve in assuring good mileage to its cars?
Indian customers’ obsession with ‘Kitna Deti Hai?’ is no secret. During the years in which fuel costs went soaring, the entry-level customer felt the pinch and the sales of entry-segment cars took a beating. When fuel prices corrected last year onwards, there were improvements in first-time car buyer percentage for Maruti and the industry. Having said that, while automakers have little role to play in controlling fuel prices, we surely can work towards making our offerings more fuel efficient.
Several innovations by Maruti and Suzuki engineers to improve fuel efficiency include changes in engine hardware leading to improved thermal efficiency, reduced frictional losses, and changes in engine calibration. While the compact combustion chamber and higher compression ratio on gasoline engine helps to improve engine efficiency, the advanced thermal management system in diesel engine, along with low-friction engine oil and modified fuel injection system, help diesel engines in faster warm up and lower the frictional losses.
There are many competitors in the market offering good mileage as a major feature in their cars (in both petrol and diesel). What differentiates Maruti in this regard and why?
Maruti is a segment leader in all the segments where MSIL is operating. Sharing some recent examples where we are clearly class leaders:
Model/Segment | Petrol | Diesel | Position |
Segment A1 |
|
|
|
Nano | 25 km/l |
|
|
Segment A2 (Mini) |
|
|
|
Alto 800 | 22.74 |
|
|
Alto K10 | 24.07 |
| Segment leader |
Segment A2+ |
|
|
|
Swift | 20.4 | 25.2 | Segment leader |
DZire | 19.1 to 20.85 ( facelift change) | 23.4 to 26.59 | DZire diesel becomes India’s most fuel efficient car |
Ciaz | 20.73 | 26.21 | Segment leader |
As you can see, we are clear winners. Maruti Suzuki’s product development approach for enhancing the cost of ownership or reduction of CO2 has been in in two main areas:
1. New Technology Development
2. Alternate Fuel Vehicle Development
New Technology Development
While designing any new model, our focus is to bring down total cost of ownership for customers. The company has defined ‘cost of ownership’ as a combination of initial price, running cost (fuel efficiency, cost of servicing, cost of spare parts,) and residual cost. Through continuous improvement, we have been able to enhance fuel efficiency of our fleet to bring down running costs. The mandate is to enhance fuel efficiency of all fuel types so that the customer is benefited. We are able to enhance the fuel efficiency by working on the following parameters:
Power train related improvements
Weight reduction
Improvement in aerodynamics and tyres to reduce road resistance (Road load reduction)
Alternate Fuel Vehicle Development
The Company offers six models in the bi-fuel segment (petrol+ factory-fitted CNG) — Alto, Alto K-10, Wagon R, Celerio, Eeco, and Ertiga.
The company has been working on development of alternate fuel models since 2000. The company has sold over 4.1 lakh vehicles which have offset around 2.24 lakh tonnes of CO2 cumulatively till March 2014.
What are the technological advancements that MSI has achieved in terms of fuel efficiency in its models?
MSIL has been able to enhance the fuel efficiency by working on the following three parameters:
1. Power train related improvements
2. Weight reduction
3. Road load reduction
Power train related improvements
We have been working in the areas of thermal efficiency, friction reduction, smart calibration, and electric load reduction to enhance fuel efficiency of our vehicles. Because of our continuous efforts, we have enhanced the fuel efficiency in our line-up. A recent example is the Alto 800 fuel efficiency improvement. Fuel efficiency in Alto 800 gasoline was improved from 19.7 kmpl to 22.7 kmpl (+3 kmpl) which is a significant improvement of 15%. Similarly, for the CNG version, it was improved from 26.8 kmpl to 30.5 kmpl. This improvement was possible due to major changes in intake system and crank system in the proven F8D engine in order to bring out an eco-friendly car with the following system-level changes:
Intake system changed from aluminium to plastic
Light weight and low-skirt piston
Low-tension piston rings
Light weight con-rod and crankshaft
High compression ratio
Weight reduction
Reduction in weight is being targeted by automakers in order to achieve higher fuel efficiency to compete in the market. This is being achieved by us in the following manner:
Use of high tensile material for making body structure, and TWB (tailored welded blank) in body closures. Use of polymeric fuel tanks, lighter batteries, use of optimised specifications at component level for weight reduction such as battery, starter motor, ABS etc. Some examples are as follows:
In Swift
We used light weight battery weighing 500 gm lesser than the earlier version.
Introduced new generation light weight anti-locking braking system. Compact and light, weighing 15% less compared with ABS used in outgoing model.
Deployed light weight speakers; weight reduction of 1 kg/vehicle.
Steering lock material change — body material changed from conventional zinc alloy to magnesium alloy. Weight reduction of 400 gm/vehicle.
Six-layered light weight polymeric fuel tank; 30% lighter than conventional sheet metal fuel tanks. Lower weight, better fuel efficiency, better corrosion, and crash-resistant properties.
In Celerio
Over 11 kg weight reduction achieved in powertrain by use of plastic fuel rail, intake system weight optimisation, lighter engine mountings, plastic fan shroud and plastic fuel tank.
Over 15 kg weight reduction of body and doors through structure optimisation.
Increased use of high tensile steel.4.5 kg weight reduction by optimising thickness of interior trims.
Light weighting in chassis systems with weight reduction of 4.5 kg.
Road load reduction
Extensive use of CFD analysis is being done for reducing the coefficient of drag (Cd) for our vehicles. In our recent offering Alto 800, the coefficient of drag Cd was reduced by 6 per cent to enhance the fuel efficiency.
There has always been a debate between petrol and diesel cars surrounding the reliability and longevity of their respective engines. What are MSIL’s thoughts about the said preferences? How has that view shaped the way it designs and offers products to the Indian customer?
Both petrol and diesel engines being manufactured today are of top quality. The buyer decision for the fuel choice is based on extent of monthly driving. The customer may choose a petrol car if his daily running is say less than 40 km. Typically, diesel offerings by nature are more fuel-efficient but priced higher than gasoline. Customer takes a valued call on the basis of daily running and cost.
The world is looking at a future involving solar, hybrid and electric cars, among other ‘renewable’ and eco-friendly modes of transport. How does MSIL view this potential change in the years or decades to come? Going forward, will your innovations be geared towards sustaining the prevailing trends? Please explain.
There are two parts to this question a) first developing capability know-how or technical expertise to design such products; and b) infrastructure support for these technologies.
In recent years, the company has displayed its capability and know-how on several occasions. Maruti Suzuki has partnered with the government under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 and showcased models like Swift Range Extender Electric Vehicle (Swift RE-EV). Similarly the company had undertaken experimental projects in the field of hybrid and electric during the 2010 Commonwealth Games and showcased SX4 Hybrid and Eeco Electric.
Also Maruti Suzuki was the first company to bring factory-fitted CNG technology called the i-GPI (Intelligent Gas Port Injection Technology.
Therefore, the capability exists. But on the second part, which is infrastructure support, we are still a long way off. We appreciate the government’s efforts in popularising these technologies. But commercial success would rest on long-term infrastructure.
For instance, Swift RE-EV is an electric vehicle with an engine-driven generator. The vehicle functions like a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) for customers who commute short distances. Once the battery power gets depleted, the onboard IC engine starts functioning and runs the generator for supplying power to the electric motor, thereby eliminating the ‘range anxiety’ issue generally associated with BEVs. The vehicle can be charged at home from a household power outlet.
In essence, the Swift RE-EV provides an advantage over pure BEV as it overcomes the issue of battery charging/range limitation, thereby providing required flexibility and peace of mind to customers. Its range can be extended by using an onboard generator, which is powered by a small and efficient gasoline engine. Therefore, the user can turn a short trip into a longer excursion without worrying about the battery.
Compared with a pure BEV that depends entirely on battery power, the Swift RE-EV has a smaller battery that’s quicker to charge, weighs less, and uses fewer resources. We are ready but need more support from the government to make these viable.