India’s biggest carmaker Maruti Suzuki will phase out all diesel cars once BS VI emission norms come into effect from April 1, 2020, Press Trust of India reported, citing chairman RC Bhargava. Currently, diesel vehicles comprise 23% of the company’s overall volumes. The company expects a shift to petrol or CNG models by offering incentives.

“From April 1, 2020 we will not be selling diesel cars,” Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava told reporters during the post-results press conference.  Bhargava added that if the company sees demand for diesel vehicles post the introduction of BS VI norms, it may consider developing a compliant 1500cc diesel engine. “The only segment where we may look at having a BS VI complaint Diesel engine is the 1500 cc. Nothing below that. If there is demand, we will develop a 1500 cc diesel vehicle within a reasonable period of time”, Bhargava informed.

With inputs from PTI and Economic Times