Hyundai and Kia weigh factory-fitted CNG versions of their SUVs for India
Hyundai Motor India and Kia India are working on whether factory-fitted CNG SUVs can be brought to the Indian market, though no models or dates are final.
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As demand for SUVs grows in India, the Hyundai Motor Group is preparing to strengthen its hold in the CNG segment. Both Hyundai Motor India and Kia India are working on whether factory-fitted CNG SUVs can be brought to the Indian market. Their main SUV models currently have no CNG option, so the change could be a major step in the companies' strategy.
Under the plan, the companies are considering a CNG option in the popular compact SUVs Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. A model such as the Hyundai Bayon could also be considered in the context of a possible expansion. If these vehicles get a CNG option, customers who prefer low running costs will have an alternative to petrol and diesel. However, no final announcement has been made on which model's CNG version will come to India or when it will be launched.
The advantage of factory-fitted CNG is that the gas system is installed while the vehicle is being built. Compared with an external CNG kit, this arrangement can be more integrated in terms of fitment and safety. In bringing CNG to an SUV, boot space, weight, performance and space for the gas cylinder will have to be considered. This means the companies cannot stop at offering a CNG option; they will also have to preserve the vehicle's practicality.
Competition in the market and the company's falling market share are the factors behind the move. Response to CNG vehicles in India is growing. Buyers are looking at lower fuel costs and cars that are affordable for daily use. To compete with companies that already sell CNG models in this segment, Hyundai and Kia may feel the need to bring a new option.
The decision to expand the CNG SUV range could be important for both brands. If the Venue and Sonet get a CNG option, they could attract customers who commute daily in the city, those who use taxis and those who drive long distances. But more information on price, mileage, boot space and launch timing will become clear only after the companies make an announcement.
The final models and launch dates have not yet been announced. A CNG cylinder can affect boot space and the vehicle's weight. Even so, a factory-fitted system allows it to be coordinated with the vehicle's design, safety and engine efficiency.
