Mercedes-Benz to introduce CNG sedans in India

Maker of the German luxury car brand, Mercedes Benz, plans to introduce CNG variant cars in India, which the company says will be more fuel efficient than the Maruti 800.

The new variant will run 20km in 1 kg of CNG against its petrol version that currently gives only 12km per litre.Also CNG will be more economical at Rs19 per litre, compared to petrol, which is priced above Rs45 per litre

Due to soaring oil prices consumer preference has shifted to  vehicles that run on alternate fuel such as CNG and LPG. To cater to the demand of the consumers and gain a strong market share in the fast growing auto market of India, car manufacturers are increasingly  looking at CNG and LPG complaint vehicles.

Recently Maruti also announced its plans to launch a CNG variant of Maruti-800. (See: Maruti plans to launch LPG variant of M800)

Mercedes India like many leading auto makers are keen on CNG versions to counter the soaring fuel prices. It has already imported few CNG compliant models in Delhi and Mumbai and soon plans to bring its globally successful CNG sedans for its Indian customers as well.

''We have some cars running on CNG in India. It's a successful technology and has been developed over the years. We are also trying the bio-diesel option on the E Class saloon here. If these extensive trials are successful, we shall introduce these cars in India too,'' stated a Daimler executive.

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