Latest news with #GrandVitaraPhantomBlaqEdition
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Public charging infrastructure crucial for faster EV adoption in India: Maruti Suzuki
The path to mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India depends heavily on the establishment of strong public charging infrastructure. Range anxiety is a strong deterrent that does not allow prospective customers from opting for EVs as their main household cars, as reported by Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer- Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India. Sales of electric passenger vehicles in India have increased dramatically, with almost doubling up recently. Yet, even with this impressive growth, EVs continue to account for only around 4.5 per cent of the overall passenger vehicle market. EV sales growth: Promising but limited Sales of electric passenger vehicles in India have increased dramatically, with almost doubling up recently. Yet, even with this impressive growth, EVs continue to account for only around 4.5 per cent of the overall passenger vehicle market. This is a steep increase from the earlier 2.4 per cent market share, representing a 100 per cent increase in volume. But Banerjee doubts if this growth can hold in the long term without overcoming underlying problems. Also Read : Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq Edition unveiled to mark 10 years of Nexa Customers hesitant to make EVs their primary choice Part of the biggest hurdles is consumer attitude. Banerjee points out that a lot of consumers are reticent to purchase an EV as their first, or sole, vehicle, largely out of fear of range anxiety and convenience when charging. "A buyer who needs one vehicle is usually unwilling to make an EV his or her single car," he says. That hesitation is what requires greater consumer confidence, which cannot be generated through better vehicle technology alone. Infrastructure gap Although car manufacturers have taken care of the driving range problem by providing models with about 500 kilometers on one charge, public charging points are still limited. Banerjee reports that Maruti Suzuki is working actively to have EV charging stations at 100 Indian cities. But highway networks, which are important for long-distance commutes, do not yet have proper fast-charging facilities, which keeps the practicality of EVs restricted to most consumers. Also watch: Maruti Suzuki plans EV dominance in India | Maruti's EV strategy revealed | e Vitara launch soon Consumer choice and technology diversity Banerjee believes it is essential to allow the consumer to select the technology most suited to themselves. He believes that no technology—battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrids, or whatever—should not be advantaged more by policy or market consideration. "It should be the consumer who chooses what meets their lifestyle," he argues, making his way through the evolving automotive industry in India. Tax benefits and hybrid technology In current practice, battery electric vehicles attract a relatively low tax of 5 per cent GST, whereas hybrid cars are taxed far more, approximately 43 per cent. Maruti Suzuki is developing the technically strong hybrid vehicles Grand Vitara and Invicto and offers the customer a level of familiarity, but also achieves a balance of efficiency and technology. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
NDTV
4 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Maruti Suzuki Celebrates 10 Years Of Nexa, Launches Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq Edition
Maruti Suzuki India Limited has introduced the Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq Edition. This version of the SUV commemorates 10 years of the NEXA retail channel. This iteration of the SUV comes with special aesthetic upgrades in the form of an exclusive matte black colour wrap and is offered with the Strong Hybrid Alpha+ variant. The Phantom Blaq Edition enhances the Grand Vitara's current design with a sleek matte black exterior finish designed to improve its presence on the road. The SUV maintains the luxe all-black interior found in the standard Grand Vitara, showcasing perforated faux leather seating and accents in champagne gold. Also Read: MS Dhoni Teases Citroen C3X Ahead Of Launch: Watch This edition features a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Other highlights include a Clarion sound system, a 360-degree camera, a Head-Up Display, a wireless charging dock, and Suzuki Connect for remote access capabilities. In terms of safety, it comes equipped with the NEXA Safety Shield package, which includes six airbags, an Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Hill Hold Control, reverse parking sensors, and three-point seat belts with reminders. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, "As we celebrate a decade of NEXA, the Grand Vitara PHANTOM BLAQ Edition reflects our ongoing commitment to inspire customers with specially curated innovations. This Limited Edition captures the essence of indulgence, offering an SUV that not only performs exceptionally but also aligns perfectly with the refined lifestyles of our discerning buyers." Banerjee added, "Since its debut, the Grand Vitara has garnered an exceptional response, achieving the milestone of 300,000 sales in just 32 months, setting a new benchmark in the mid-size SUV segment in India. This success is driven by its versatile powertrain portfolio, offering customers the choice of Strong Hybrid, ALLGRIP Select, and S-CNG powertrain options, catering to diverse customer needs. The exclusive new Grand Vitara PHANTOM BLAQ is set to elevate its desirability further."
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq Edition unveiled to mark 10 years of Nexa
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition has been unveiled in a bid to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of Maruti Suzuki 's Nexa retail channel. As NEXA's flagship SUV, the Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq Edition is said to be built on the model's established credentials of exceptional performance and premium styling. Based on the Alpha plus variant with the strong hybrid powertrain, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition retains the basic design of the mid size SUV, however gets few distinct cosmetic changes. The company noted that exuding Nexa's philosophy of refined sophistication and understated elegance, the 'Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq' Edition is crafted to resonate with individuals who seek discerning style and sophistication in every drive. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, stated that the limited edition captures the essence of indulgence, offering an SUV that not only performs exceptionally but also aligns perfectly with the refined lifestyles of our discerning buyers." He added that since its debut, the Grand Vitara has garnered an exceptional response, achieving the milestone of 300,000 sales in just 32 months. Also Read : 2025 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara launched with 6 airbags and more features Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition: Design Based on the Alpha plus variant with the strong hybrid powertrain, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition retains the basic design of the mid size SUV, however gets few distinct cosmetic changes. It gets an all new matte black exterior paint finish along with all-black interior of the standard Grand Vitara with perforated faux leather upholstery and champagne gold accents. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition: Features In terms of features, the new edition gets the same set of features as the standard Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha Plus Strong Hybrid. It gets a panoramic sunroof along with ventilated front seats with perforated faux leather. The cabin further features a 9 inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, complemented by Clarion sound system. Also Read : Maruti Suzuki sees compact car uptick in July amid structural stress in entry segment In terms of safety and convenience, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq gets a 360 view camera and Head-Up Display (HUD). Additionally, Suzuki Connect provides smart, connected car capabilities with remote access features, creating a truly modern and connected SUV experience. The Grand Vitara comes equipped with the NEXA Safety Shield - a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. This includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Hill Hold Control, Reverse Parking Sensors, 3-point seat belts with reminders and more. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq edition: Specs The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Phantom Blaq features the 1.5L self charging hybrid powertrain termed as the 'intelligent hybrid system' paired with an e-CVT gearbox. Together, this powertrain delivers a combined output of 114 bhp – while the engine produces 91 bhp and a torque of 122 Nm, the motor puts out 79 bhp of power and 141 Nm of torque. Maruti claims a fuel efficiency of 27.97 kmpl on the strong hybrid version of the Grand Vitara Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date:
