Maruti Suzuki raises green vehicle sales target to 1 million units

Maruti Suzuki has raised its target for sales of green vehicles in financial year 2026-27 to nearly 1 million units. The company had earlier expected combined sales of CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles to be between 800,000 and 900,000 units. But given the strong response to CNG vehicles this year, the company has raised its target.

CNG vehicles currently account for about 43 percent of Maruti's total sales. The company expects this share could rise to 50 percent going forward, provided vehicle supply keeps pace. That would mean nearly one in every two Maruti vehicles sold could be a CNG model.

In the first quarter of financial year 2026-27, the company sold about 220,000 CNG cars, up 58 percent from the same period last year. In July, monthly sales of S-CNG models reached about 83,000 units, the company's highest figure yet. Monthly CNG sales currently stand at around 80,000 units, with Maruti holding about 70 percent of the passenger CNG market.

To make the CNG option more attractive, the company has introduced a 5-speed AMT gearbox in the Swift, Dzire and Baleno. This could be useful for customers who want two-pedal driving in a CNG vehicle. The Swift S-CNG AMT starts at Rs 7.92 lakh, the Baleno at Rs 8.32 lakh, and the Dzire at Rs 8.53 lakh.

The certified CNG mileage of these three models is 35.34 km/kg, 34.47 km/kg and 36.47 km/kg respectively. The Dzire's claimed mileage places it among the country's most fuel-efficient sedans. Because CNG running costs are lower than petrol, the option can be beneficial for customers who drive longer distances.

If crude oil prices stay around 100 dollars a barrel, petrol expenses are likely to rise. This could boost demand for CNG as well as hybrid and electric vehicles. Under its Auto Green Mission, Maruti has increased its focus on alternative powertrains, while companies such as Hyundai, Kia and Tata are also preparing to launch new models in the CNG segment.

The response to CNG is central to the company's strategy, since despite the growing reach of electric vehicles, factors such as charging infrastructure and price continue to influence customer decisions. Maruti therefore appears to be working to strengthen several options at once.