Hyundai Motor India introduces CNG variant

New Delhi, July 4, 2007: Hyundai Motor India, the second largest passenger car manufacturer in India and the largest exporter of automobiles today added to its range of Santro variants by introducing an alternative fuel variant – the CNG powered Santro.Santro, the ‘Sunshine Car’ which has brought happiness and cheer to over a million Indian car buyers since its launch in late 1998 will now provide the potential owners a more economical and environment friendly drive. The dual fuel Santro will use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternate fuel. The Santro comes with a 1.1 litre petrol engine which without any modification is compatible with CNG.HMI has tied up with the leading CNG kit supplier Minda Auto Gas Ltd to supply the CNG kits. The advanced kit is not only safe but with an advanced Lambda control system ensures that it meets the Euro III emission norms. To ensure that there are no flaws in the fitment process, HMI has an exclusive arrangement with leading fitment specialist NGVI of Korea to retro fit the kits on the Santro model.Initially, the CNG Santro will be initially launched in Delhi and all Hyundai dealers in Delhi in collaboration with NGVI India are equipped to sell and service the CNG Santro. The CNG Santro too enjoys the same 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty and there is an additional warranty for the same period on the CNG kit and fitment as well.The CNG Santro would have a manual selector switch, which would enable the driver to easily switch from gasoline to CNG and vice versa. The on-board CNG cylinder has a capacity of approximately 12 kg and the running cost on CNG for the Santro is estimated to be in the region of Rs 1/km or even less depending on the driving cycle. This leads to a savings of almost 60 – 70% for the consumer. The cost of the CNG Santro (XK, non-AC) is Rs 325,361 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).Commenting on the launch of the CNG Santro, Arvind Saxena VP – Marketing and Sales Hyundai Motor India said “CNG has established itself as an eco-friendly and economical fuel and HMI will now offer this choice of fuel to its Santro customers. We feel that this will increase the attractiveness of the Santro as it will considerably bring down the running cost. Also the fuel is eco-friendly which adds to its attractiveness”