Maruti Suzuki

In yet another first mover initiative, India's leading car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki India Limited has announced "Fuel Economy Consumer Information" of its full range of 12 brands at the company's dealerships from today onwards. "The 'voluntary disclosure of fuel economy' is a proactive measure undertaken by the company in customer interest. The fuel economy figures obtained in tests by premier automobile research institutions emphasize Maruti Suzuki's overall leadership in making highly fuel efficient cars.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), at its Annual Convention held in New Delhi in September 2008, had announced a Voluntary Labeling Program for all member companies to make a voluntary disclosure of fuel efficiency by end of March 2009. Maruti Suzuki is implementing the program on the first day of the New Year.
Maruti Suzuki has got its complete range of 12 brands tested at the three government approved test agencies: ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) Pune; VRDE (Vehicles Research and Development Establishment) Ahmednagar and ICAT (International Centre of Automotive Technology) Manesar.

The Fuel Consumption Consumer Information labels displayed alongside the car models in the showrooms would prominently show the test result of fuel efficiency obtained under standard test conditions at the above mentioned test agencies. Maruti Suzuki started the public announcement of fuel efficiency in November 2008, when it announced an extraordinary high fuel efficiency of 19.59 kilometer per litre (petrol), for the A-star. The fuel efficiency for A-star is the highest amongst Maruti Suzuki's own range of petrol cars and could well be the highest in A2 segment petrol cars in the industry. The fuel efficiency of Swift Diesel and Swift Dzire Diesel at 21 kms to a litre of diesel, could also be best amongst the diesel cars in the industry.

Keeping a focus on consumer awareness while implementing the voluntary disclosure of fuel economy information across network of over 600 sales outlets in the country, the company has taken a number of initiatives. The company has made an educational Audio Visual film for customers. The film communicates those factors that help in increasing fuel efficiency. The film also explains the test procedures adopted to arrive at the fuel efficiency of a car. At the same time, the company has conducted a comprehensive training programme across country for its 14,000 strong dealer sales force. Through this training, the sales force has been equipped with necessary information that a customer may seek on issues related with fuel efficiency.