A day before Donald Trump's tariff takes effect, the Indian stock market tanked on Tuesday. However, the shares of Maruti Suzuki, the car-maker that rules the Indian market, surged 2.53 per cent. The Japanese automaker's&nbsp;shares touched an all-time high price of Rs 14,823.45 a piece.&nbsp;<h2>Why did Maruti Suzuki's share prices rise at a time when the market is apprehensive about the impact of Donald Trump's tariff on the Indian economy?</h2>Maruti Suzuki has been selling the highest number of cars in India for several decades. It also exports cars from India to several countries in the world. However, the Japanese car-maker has announced that it will invest thousands of crores in the Indian market over the next 5-6 years. The announcement was taken by the market as a positive cue, increasing the price of the share.&nbsp;Maruti Suzuki announced its highest-ever investment commitment&nbsp;in India. It said it would invest Rs 70,000 crore over the next five years in India. This investment will make India a global hub for electric vehicles.&nbsp;According to reports, Maruti Suzuki announced at its Hansalpur plant in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. The announcement was made during an event in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Suzuki Motor's President Toshihiro Suzuki jointly flagged off the e-Vitara.&nbsp;The company said the investment will be made in sectors like manufacturing, research and development, and sustainability initiatives.&nbsp;Rs 32000 crore will be earmarked for enhancing the company's manufacturing capacity by 1 million cars per annum. Rs 23,240 crore will be used for the development of new EVs by 2030. Rs 15000 crore will be allocated to supporting carbon-neutral projects.&nbsp;The company further said it will attempt to localise 80 per cent of EV battery manufacturing to reduce India's dependence on imports. The firm will also expand its hybrid and CNG offerings.&nbsp;By FY 2030-31, the company also aims to triple its exports from India to 7.5 lakh cars per year.&nbsp;Maruti Suzuki has a 40 per cent share in India's passenger vehicle exports.&nbsp;Donald Trump has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports to the United States for New Delhi's purchase of oil from Russia. It will take effect on Wednesday.&nbsp;Spooked by the prospect of an adverse impact of Trump's tariff on the economy, the BSE Sensex was down 849.37 points, and the Nifty was down 255.70 points.

A day before Donald Trump's tariff takes effect, the Indian stock market tanked on Tuesday. 

A day before Donald Trump's tariff takes effect, the Indian stock market tanked on Tuesday. However, the shares of Maruti Suzuki, the car-maker that rules the Indian market, surged 2.53 per cent. The Japanese automaker's shares touched an all-time high price of Rs 14,823.45 a piece. Why did Maruti Suzuki's share prices rise at a time when the market is apprehensive about the impact of Donald Trump's tariff on the Indian economy? Maruti Suzuki has been selling the highest number of cars in India for several decades. It also exports cars from India to several countries in the world. However, the Japanese car-maker has announced that it will invest thousands of crores in the Indian market over the next 5-6 years. The announcement was taken by the market as a positive cue, increasing the price of the share. Maruti Suzuki announced its highest-ever investment commitment in India. It said it would invest Rs 70,000 crore over the next five years in India. This investment will make India a global hub for electric vehicles. According to reports, Maruti Suzuki announced at its Hansalpur plant in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. The announcement was made during an event in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Suzuki Motor's President Toshihiro Suzuki jointly flagged off the e-Vitara. The company said the investment will be made in sectors like manufacturing, research and development, and sustainability initiatives. Rs 32000 crore will be earmarked for enhancing the company's manufacturing capacity by 1 million cars per annum. Rs 23,240 crore will be used for the development of new EVs by 2030. Rs 15000 crore will be allocated to supporting carbon-neutral projects. The company further said it will attempt to localise 80 per cent of EV battery manufacturing to reduce India's dependence on imports. The firm will also expand its hybrid and CNG offerings. By FY 2030-31, the company also aims to triple its exports from India to 7.5 lakh cars per year. Maruti Suzuki has a 40 per cent share in India's passenger vehicle exports. Donald Trump has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports to the United States for New Delhi's purchase of oil from Russia. It will take effect on Wednesday. Spooked by the prospect of an adverse impact of Trump's tariff on the economy, the BSE Sensex was down 849.37 points, and the Nifty was down 255.70 points.

Donald Trump's additional tariff on India because of the latter's Russian oil purchase will take effect on August 27. However, even when the Indian stock market tanked, Maruti Suzuki, India's biggest car seller, registered its highest-ever share prices. Here's what happened.

Why Maruti Suzuki's share prices hit all-time high ahead of Trump tariff?

Indian shares ended lower on Monday, led by losses among auto stocks, as investor caution in the wake of weak earnings continued.

The broader NSE Nifty closed down 0.84% at 11,189.20, while the benchmark BSE Sensex ended 0.52% lower at 37,686.37.

The Nifty Auto index closed 3.6% lower after a disappointing earnings season from its heavyweights and a government proposal to lower taxes on electric vehicles, which threatened the traditional sector.

Tata Motors ended 6.5% down after the company's losses nearly doubled, while Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, which reported a better-than-expected first-quarter profit on controlled costs still ended 4.2% lower

Indiabulls Housing Finance led the losers among NSE stocks, closing down 10.5% after a lawmaker alleged the company embezzled money to the tune of 1 trillion rupees ($14.53 billion).

Among gainers, ICICI Bank ended 3.3% in the black, after the lender reported lower first-quarter provisions for bad loans, which boosted its profit.

Indian shares ended lower on Monday, led by losses among auto stocks, as investor caution in the wake of weak earnings continued. The broader NSE Nifty closed down 0.

Indian shares ended lower on Monday, led by losses among auto stocks, as investor caution in the wake of weak earnings continued. The broader NSE Nifty closed down 0.84% at 11,189.20, while the benchmark BSE Sensex ended 0.52% lower at 37,686.37. The Nifty Auto index closed 3.6% lower after a disappointing earnings season from its heavyweights and a government proposal to lower taxes on electric vehicles, which threatened the traditional sector. Tata Motors ended 6.5% down after the company's losses nearly doubled, while Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, which reported a better-than-expected first-quarter profit on controlled costs still ended 4.2% lower Indiabulls Housing Finance led the losers among NSE stocks, closing down 10.5% after a lawmaker alleged the company embezzled money to the tune of 1 trillion rupees ($14.53 billion). Among gainers, ICICI Bank ended 3.3% in the black, after the lender reported lower first-quarter provisions for bad loans, which boosted its profit.

Sensex, Nifty end lower dragged by auto stocks

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) plans to take a variety of steps including enhanced localisation, increase in productivity and reducing overall costs in order to improve margins in the current fiscal, a senior company official has said.

The auto major reported an EBITDA margin of 14 per cent for 2018-19, down 1.9 per cent from 15.9 per cent in 2017-18.

"We are working very hard on cost-cutting, there is a lot of effort on the cost side as a company we are all committed to work towards it and ensure that it (margins) improve from here," MSI CFO Ajay Seth said.

The company will carry on with its internal efforts without worrying about the external factors like foreign exchange rates, he added.

"External factors will be there but whatever is in our control we will try and work harder in terms of cost reduction and enhancing productivity," Seth noted.

He said increasing localisation is an important part of the initiative.

"Localisation is a big drive now. Wherever we have been hit on account of foreign exchange, we are now looking at large targets for localisation," he said.

Overheads are under severe scrutiny and the company is looking at vendors in terms of more productivity gains, Seth added.

"So a variety of things are being done. For us it is very crucial that we improve from here," he said.

The EBITDA margin is an assessment of a firm's operating profitability as a percentage of its total revenue.

It is equal to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) divided by total revenue.

MSI reported a 4.6 per cent decline in net profit to Rs 1,795.6 crore for the fourth quarter of the 2018-19.

For the entire 2018-19, MSI posted a net profit of Rs 7,500.6 crore, down 2.9 per cent from the previous financial year.

The carmaker has also decided to phase out all diesel cars from its portfolio with effect from April 1, 2020.

When asked if the company is looking for write-offs having already put in large investments in diesel engine plants over the years, Seth said, the auditors have done a detailed study and concluded that there would not be any significant impact.

"Around 99 per cent of it (diesel capacity) is getting converted (into petrol, CNG etc) there is no impairment as such, even if there is an impairment it is going to be a negligible amount," he added.

"If you cannot convert your facilities into anything else then you have to impair it," he further said.

The company would be able to convert its existing plants as per the company's long term goals, he added.

MSI plans to shift its entire portfolio to petrol, CNG powertrains.

The auto major currently gets 23 per cent of its total sales in the domestic market from diesel cars.

It sold a total of 4.63 lakh diesel units last fiscal.

Some of the company's models like Vitara Brezza and S-Cross currently come with a diesel engine option only.

Others like Swift, Baleno, Dzire, Ciaz and Ertiga also have petrol versions in addition to the diesel trims.

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) plans to take a variety of steps including enhanced localisation, increase in productivity and reducing overall costs in order to improve margins in the current fiscal, a senior company official has said.

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) plans to take a variety of steps including enhanced localisation, increase in productivity and reducing overall costs in order to improve margins in the current fiscal, a senior company official has said. The auto major reported an EBITDA margin of 14 per cent for 2018-19, down 1.9 per cent from 15.9 per cent in 2017-18. "We are working very hard on cost-cutting, there is a lot of effort on the cost side as a company we are all committed to work towards it and ensure that it (margins) improve from here," MSI CFO Ajay Seth said. The company will carry on with its internal efforts without worrying about the external factors like foreign exchange rates, he added. "External factors will be there but whatever is in our control we will try and work harder in terms of cost reduction and enhancing productivity," Seth noted. He said increasing localisation is an important part of the initiative. "Localisation is a big drive now. Wherever we have been hit on account of foreign exchange, we are now looking at large targets for localisation," he said. Overheads are under severe scrutiny and the company is looking at vendors in terms of more productivity gains, Seth added. "So a variety of things are being done. For us it is very crucial that we improve from here," he said. The EBITDA margin is an assessment of a firm's operating profitability as a percentage of its total revenue. It is equal to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) divided by total revenue. MSI reported a 4.6 per cent decline in net profit to Rs 1,795.6 crore for the fourth quarter of the 2018-19. For the entire 2018-19, MSI posted a net profit of Rs 7,500.6 crore, down 2.9 per cent from the previous financial year. The carmaker has also decided to phase out all diesel cars from its portfolio with effect from April 1, 2020. When asked if the company is looking for write-offs having already put in large investments in diesel engine plants over the years, Seth said, the auditors have done a detailed study and concluded that there would not be any significant impact. "Around 99 per cent of it (diesel capacity) is getting converted (into petrol, CNG etc) there is no impairment as such, even if there is an impairment it is going to be a negligible amount," he added. "If you cannot convert your facilities into anything else then you have to impair it," he further said. The company would be able to convert its existing plants as per the company's long term goals, he added. MSI plans to shift its entire portfolio to petrol, CNG powertrains. The auto major currently gets 23 per cent of its total sales in the domestic market from diesel cars. It sold a total of 4.63 lakh diesel units last fiscal. Some of the company's models like Vitara Brezza and S-Cross currently come with a diesel engine option only. Others like Swift, Baleno, Dzire, Ciaz and Ertiga also have petrol versions in addition to the diesel trims.

Taking steps to reduce costs, enhance margins: Maruti

Lonavala: First launched in India in 2005, Maruti Suzuki has sold 1.7 million units of the Swift in the country. In recent years, competition from rivals and even siblings have taken some of the sheen off the car but it is all set now to attract buyers in an all-new avatar.

To be officially launched at the Auto Expo next month, wionews.com took a test drive of the car in lovely Lonavala and here are the big hits and misses in the all-new 2018 Swift.

TOP 5 HITS

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/swift-drive-20180122113510.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
The Swift is based on Maruti Suzuki&#39;s 5th generation HEARTECT platform. (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

Looks: The Swift gets a complete makeover on the outside which makes it an absolutely fresh and contemporary machine on wheels on the roads. While still retaining some of the inherent genetics of the outgoing model, the new car gets a single-aperture front grille, sharp DRL LED headlights, floating roof line, pillar-mounted rear door handles and LED tail lights.

Engine: The engine options in the Swift remain the same - K12 VVT petrol engine and the DDiS peppy diesel engine. These have been much liked by the Indian car-buying audience over the years and Maruti Suzuki has not tinkered much with it. The tuning in the new model though has been done in a way that there is a marginal increase in fuel efficiency while the lighter body also contributes to a 10 per cent rise in 0-100kmph figures.

Automatic options: There has been a growing demand for auto transmission option in the Vitara Brezza. And while Maruti Suzuki have yet not confirmed if that is a possibility in the near future, the new Swift does get the AGS option in both petrol and diesel. That is the biggest hit that the new car has on offer as a small hatch with a peppy engine and now with auto transmission can be a resounding success in city driving conditions.

Dimensions: The Swift is based on Maruti Suzuki&#39;s 5th generation HEARTECT platform. It is lighter, wider, and gets a longer wheelbase. In terms of numbers, this means weight reduction of 85 kilos, an increase in wheelbase by 20mm, an increase in width of 40mm and a boot which at 58 litres is 28 per cent bigger than the outgoing model. There is more legroom at the front and at the back and more shoulder room at the rear.

Safety: For the first time in a Swift, ABS, EBD, dual airbags and child seat restraints come as standard across variants.

TOP 5 MISSES

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/new-swift-drive-20180122113359.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
The Swift gets a complete makeover on the outside. (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

Rear comfort and convenience: Rear passengers won&#39;t be completely satisfied with the experience of being in the Swift - again, especially because what is on offer for the front passngers. The seats are just about comfortable and the pillar-mounted door handles means that on the inside, the window does not really feel as big as it really is. There are also no rear charging and USB points, and at a time when rivals are bringing in AC vents even in their smaller hatch, Maruti Suzuki ought to have equipped the otherwise red-hot Swift with the vents as well.

Features available on the auto options: Considering the automatic transmission options would possibly be priced on top of the cost pyramid of the Swift, the variant has noticeable misses. The sharp LED front lights which add so much character to the front profile in the manual top-end is missing in the auto option. The car also gets silver-cut alloys instead of diamond-cut alloys in the auto variants. While still decent to look at, the diamond-cut alloys are leagues ahead in terms of visual appeal. Inside, the auto variants also do not get the infotainment systems.

No 1-litre boosterjet engine: The European version of the car gets a sportier Swift while auto enthusiasts in India will have to just wait with envious patience. While the existing engines do their job relatively well, those looking at a more hands-on feel of a drive may just look elsewhere - Baleno RS, perhaps?

Controls on driver side: The controls for lock/unlock, power windows and ORVM adjustment on the driver side remain as they were and look quite plain - especially considering the cabin and dash layout in the new Swift. Upgrading the switches could have worked well with the overall thematics.

Light steering: The new Swift is still a fun car to drive but a lot of the experience of driving a Swift was from its steering. The new car gets a lighter steering which, frankly, takes some of that fun away.

To be officially launched at the Auto Expo next month, wionews.com took a test drive of the car in lovely Lonavala and here are the big hits and misses in the all-new 2018 Swift.

Lonavala: First launched in India in 2005, Maruti Suzuki has sold 1.7 million units of the Swift in the country. In recent years, competition from rivals and even siblings have taken some of the sheen off the car but it is all set now to attract buyers in an all-new avatar. To be officially launched at the Auto Expo next month, wionews.com took a test drive of the car in lovely Lonavala and here are the big hits and misses in the all-new 2018 Swift. TOP 5 HITS The Swift is based on Maruti Suzuki's 5th generation HEARTECT platform. (WION) × Looks: The Swift gets a complete makeover on the outside which makes it an absolutely fresh and contemporary machine on wheels on the roads. While still retaining some of the inherent genetics of the outgoing model, the new car gets a single-aperture front grille, sharp DRL LED headlights, floating roof line, pillar-mounted rear door handles and LED tail lights. Engine: The engine options in the Swift remain the same - K12 VVT petrol engine and the DDiS peppy diesel engine. These have been much liked by the Indian car-buying audience over the years and Maruti Suzuki has not tinkered much with it. The tuning in the new model though has been done in a way that there is a marginal increase in fuel efficiency while the lighter body also contributes to a 10 per cent rise in 0-100kmph figures. Automatic options: There has been a growing demand for auto transmission option in the Vitara Brezza. And while Maruti Suzuki have yet not confirmed if that is a possibility in the near future, the new Swift does get the AGS option in both petrol and diesel. That is the biggest hit that the new car has on offer as a small hatch with a peppy engine and now with auto transmission can be a resounding success in city driving conditions. Dimensions: The Swift is based on Maruti Suzuki's 5th generation HEARTECT platform. It is lighter, wider, and gets a longer wheelbase. In terms of numbers, this means weight reduction of 85 kilos, an increase in wheelbase by 20mm, an increase in width of 40mm and a boot which at 58 litres is 28 per cent bigger than the outgoing model. There is more legroom at the front and at the back and more shoulder room at the rear. Safety: For the first time in a Swift, ABS, EBD, dual airbags and child seat restraints come as standard across variants. TOP 5 MISSES The Swift gets a complete makeover on the outside. (WION) × Rear comfort and convenience: Rear passengers won't be completely satisfied with the experience of being in the Swift - again, especially because what is on offer for the front passngers. The seats are just about comfortable and the pillar-mounted door handles means that on the inside, the window does not really feel as big as it really is. There are also no rear charging and USB points, and at a time when rivals are bringing in AC vents even in their smaller hatch, Maruti Suzuki ought to have equipped the otherwise red-hot Swift with the vents as well. Features available on the auto options: Considering the automatic transmission options would possibly be priced on top of the cost pyramid of the Swift, the variant has noticeable misses. The sharp LED front lights which add so much character to the front profile in the manual top-end is missing in the auto option. The car also gets silver-cut alloys instead of diamond-cut alloys in the auto variants. While still decent to look at, the diamond-cut alloys are leagues ahead in terms of visual appeal. Inside, the auto variants also do not get the infotainment systems. No 1-litre boosterjet engine: The European version of the car gets a sportier Swift while auto enthusiasts in India will have to just wait with envious patience. While the existing engines do their job relatively well, those looking at a more hands-on feel of a drive may just look elsewhere - Baleno RS, perhaps? Controls on driver side: The controls for lock/unlock, power windows and ORVM adjustment on the driver side remain as they were and look quite plain - especially considering the cabin and dash layout in the new Swift. Upgrading the switches could have worked well with the overall thematics. Light steering: The new Swift is still a fun car to drive but a lot of the experience of driving a Swift was from its steering. The new car gets a lighter steering which, frankly, takes some of that fun away.

Maruti Suzuki 2018 Swift, first drive: The big hits and misses

Country&#39;s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Wednesday said it has increased prices of its models by up to Rs 17,000 in order to partially offset rise in input costs.

In a regulatory filing, it said the hike will range between Rs 1,700 and Rs 17,000 across models owing to increase in commodity, administrative and distribution costs.

MSI sells a range of models starting with hatchback Alto 800 to premium crossover S-Cross, priced between Rs 2.45 lakh and Rs 11.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The company had said last month that it will take a price increase from this month. Maruti recently entered the club of top-five most valued companies list

Tata Motors has already increased prices of its vehicles by up to Rs 25,000 from January 1.

Various automakers including, Hyundai Motor India, Honda Cars, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra have already announced to increase prices from this month.

These companies are however yet to announce price increase for their respective vehicles.

MSI sells a range of models starting with hatchback Alto 800 to premium crossover S-Cross, priced between Rs 2.45 lakh and Rs 11.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Wednesday said it has increased prices of its models by up to Rs 17,000 in order to partially offset rise in input costs. In a regulatory filing, it said the hike will range between Rs 1,700 and Rs 17,000 across models owing to increase in commodity, administrative and distribution costs. MSI sells a range of models starting with hatchback Alto 800 to premium crossover S-Cross, priced between Rs 2.45 lakh and Rs 11.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The company had said last month that it will take a price increase from this month. Maruti recently entered the club of top-five most valued companies list Tata Motors has already increased prices of its vehicles by up to Rs 25,000 from January 1. Various automakers including, Hyundai Motor India, Honda Cars, Mahindra & Mahindra have already announced to increase prices from this month. These companies are however yet to announce price increase for their respective vehicles.

Maruti Suzuki hikes prices by up to Rs 17,000

The Indian government plans to make the country an all electric car market by 2030. This means all the existing cars will be replaced by electric vehicles on the road. This is being done to end dependency on fossil fuel and curb pollution.

But is the auto industry prepared for the change? One of India&#39;s biggest automaker Maruti Suzuki India reveals its plans to go fully electric.

&quot;We remains committed to electric vehicles, but we don&rsquo;t have the technology yet to make the batteries in India,&quot; Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference, Bhargava said, &quot;The electric vehicles is the most viable option as far as reducing the emissions is concerned, but making the batteries remains a challenge. Maruti has a plant in Gujarat where batteries are being made but to meet the target of EVs that the government has planned is a difficult task. The government plans to have 40% of the cars to be EVs. Now that is a very stiff target to achieve as far as production of batteries is concerned.&quot;

He agreed with the fact that dependence on oil needs to be reduced but the material used to make these batteries - lithium and cobalt - has to be imported. &quot;That will make us dependent on the countries which produce these materials,&quot; Bhargava said. &quot;And even if the supply side is sorted, question still remains about the infrastructure to have enough charging ports around to make it viable for customers to use EVs.&quot;

India has millions of cars and growing annually at a rate of nearly 10 per cent. Many activists have raised concerns about rising number of cars and the government has pushed for adoption a more cleaner mode of transport - electric vehicles. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently banned diesel vehicles of more than 2000cc in Delhi and areas around the national capital after the air quality levels plunged to the lowest levels.

&quot;Everything is at discussion level. Companies have been investing in R&amp;D to make EVs feasible. According to me, there is no point in making a vehicle if we can&rsquo;t sell it. We have to keep our customers in the centre,&quot; said Bhargava.

However, he assured that Maruti will come up with its first EV by 2020.

Maruti is ready to invest and assist in the R&amp;D of electric vehicles but making such vehicles for Indian market is not going to happen soon, he added. &quot;We plan to launch a countrywide survey to get feedback from customers about their requirements which will be completed by February next year. This will help in understanding the needs of the customers vis-a-vis governments plan to launch EVs,&quot; Bhargava said.

The Indian government plans to make the country an all electric car market by 2030. This means all the existing cars will be replaced by electric vehicles on the road. This is being done to end dependency on fossil fuel and curb pollution.

The Indian government plans to make the country an all electric car market by 2030. This means all the existing cars will be replaced by electric vehicles on the road. This is being done to end dependency on fossil fuel and curb pollution. But is the auto industry prepared for the change? One of India's biggest automaker Maruti Suzuki India reveals its plans to go fully electric. "We remains committed to electric vehicles, but we don’t have the technology yet to make the batteries in India," Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava said on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference, Bhargava said, "The electric vehicles is the most viable option as far as reducing the emissions is concerned, but making the batteries remains a challenge. Maruti has a plant in Gujarat where batteries are being made but to meet the target of EVs that the government has planned is a difficult task. The government plans to have 40% of the cars to be EVs. Now that is a very stiff target to achieve as far as production of batteries is concerned." He agreed with the fact that dependence on oil needs to be reduced but the material used to make these batteries - lithium and cobalt - has to be imported. "That will make us dependent on the countries which produce these materials," Bhargava said. "And even if the supply side is sorted, question still remains about the infrastructure to have enough charging ports around to make it viable for customers to use EVs." India has millions of cars and growing annually at a rate of nearly 10 per cent. Many activists have raised concerns about rising number of cars and the government has pushed for adoption a more cleaner mode of transport - electric vehicles. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently banned diesel vehicles of more than 2000cc in Delhi and areas around the national capital after the air quality levels plunged to the lowest levels. "Everything is at discussion level. Companies have been investing in R&D to make EVs feasible. According to me, there is no point in making a vehicle if we can’t sell it. We have to keep our customers in the centre," said Bhargava. However, he assured that Maruti will come up with its first EV by 2020. Maruti is ready to invest and assist in the R&D of electric vehicles but making such vehicles for Indian market is not going to happen soon, he added. "We plan to launch a countrywide survey to get feedback from customers about their requirements which will be completed by February next year. This will help in understanding the needs of the customers vis-a-vis governments plan to launch EVs," Bhargava said.

Maruti raises questions over India's readiness to embrace electric vehicles

Maruti Suzuki India&#39;s shares on Wednesday rose by over five per cent, helping the auto major break into the top-five league of most valuable companies with a market valuation of Rs 2.96 lakh crore.

The scrip gained 5.33 per cent to settle at Rs 9,804.50 on BSE. During the day, it jumped 5.87 per cent to Rs 9,855.

On NSE, shares of the company were up 5.28 per cent to close at Rs 9,801.50.

The company&#39;s market valuation surged Rs 14,997.39 crore to Rs 2,96,174.39 crore.

Led by the surge in its market capitalisation (m-cap), the company entered the club of top-five most valued companies list.

RIL is the country&#39;s most valued firm with a m-cap of Rs 5,85,215.73 crore followed by TCS (Rs 4,92,938.63 crore), HDFC Bank (Rs 4,87,888.91 crore) and ITC (Rs 3,22,499.99 crore).

So far this year, the carmaker&#39;s stock has zoomed over 84 per cent or 4,481.5 points.

Meanwhile, strong buying was seen in other auto stocks also, with Hero MotoCorp rising 4.70 per cent, Motherson Sumi Systems (3.47 per cent), Tata Motors (3.39 per cent), Ashok Leyland (3.33 per cent) and Bharat Forge (3.20 per cent).

The BSE auto index gained 3.42 per cent to settle at 26,742.51.

The scrip gained 5.33 per cent to settle at Rs 9,804.50 on BSE. During the day, it jumped 5.87 per cent to Rs 9,855.

Maruti Suzuki India's shares on Wednesday rose by over five per cent, helping the auto major break into the top-five league of most valuable companies with a market valuation of Rs 2.96 lakh crore. The scrip gained 5.33 per cent to settle at Rs 9,804.50 on BSE. During the day, it jumped 5.87 per cent to Rs 9,855. On NSE, shares of the company were up 5.28 per cent to close at Rs 9,801.50. The company's market valuation surged Rs 14,997.39 crore to Rs 2,96,174.39 crore. Led by the surge in its market capitalisation (m-cap), the company entered the club of top-five most valued companies list. RIL is the country's most valued firm with a m-cap of Rs 5,85,215.73 crore followed by TCS (Rs 4,92,938.63 crore), HDFC Bank (Rs 4,87,888.91 crore) and ITC (Rs 3,22,499.99 crore). So far this year, the carmaker's stock has zoomed over 84 per cent or 4,481.5 points. Meanwhile, strong buying was seen in other auto stocks also, with Hero MotoCorp rising 4.70 per cent, Motherson Sumi Systems (3.47 per cent), Tata Motors (3.39 per cent), Ashok Leyland (3.33 per cent) and Bharat Forge (3.20 per cent). The BSE auto index gained 3.42 per cent to settle at 26,742.51.

Maruti up over 5 per cent; enters league of most valued companies

French car major Renault on Friday said it will increase prices of Kwid, Duster and Lodgy by up to 3 per cent from January to partially offset the impact of rising input costs.

The company has however kept its recently launched premium SUV Captur out of the price revision.

&quot;The price hike will be applicable on Kwid, Duster and Lodgy...Reasons of the price hike are to partially offset the impact of rising input and freight costs,&quot; the company said in a statement.

Yesterday, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra and Volkswagen announced to increase prices of their respective vehicles in the country.

While Mahindra announced to increase prices of passenger and commercial vehicles by up to 3 per cent from January, Volkswagen said it will hike prices by up to Rs 20,000.

Already, Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors, Ford, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Honda Cars India, Skoda and Isuzu have announced price hike from early next year.

Already, Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors, Ford, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Honda Cars India, Skoda and Isuzu have announced price hike from early next year

French car major Renault on Friday said it will increase prices of Kwid, Duster and Lodgy by up to 3 per cent from January to partially offset the impact of rising input costs. The company has however kept its recently launched premium SUV Captur out of the price revision. "The price hike will be applicable on Kwid, Duster and Lodgy...Reasons of the price hike are to partially offset the impact of rising input and freight costs," the company said in a statement. Yesterday, Mahindra & Mahindra and Volkswagen announced to increase prices of their respective vehicles in the country. While Mahindra announced to increase prices of passenger and commercial vehicles by up to 3 per cent from January, Volkswagen said it will hike prices by up to Rs 20,000. Already, Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors, Ford, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Honda Cars India, Skoda and Isuzu have announced price hike from early next year.

Renault to hike prices of Kwid, Duster, Lodgy by up to 3%

The country&#39;s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) launched an all new version of its compact sedan Dzire, priced between Rs 5.45 lakh and Rs 9.41 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The petrol variants with manual powertrains are priced between Rs 5.45 lakh and Rs 7.94 lakh while the diesel trims are tagged between Rs 6.45 lakh and Rs 8.94 lakh.

The petrol automatic variants are priced between Rs 6.76 lakh and Rs 8.41 lakh while the diesel trims with automatic transmission are in the range of Rs 7.76 lakh and Rs 9.41 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

Dzire will compete with the likes of Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze, Ford Aspire and Volkswagen Ameo. These models are priced in the range of Rs 4.7 lakh to Rs 8.41 lakh.

&quot;The new Dzire is bound to create plenty of excitement in the Indian automobile market,&quot; MSI Managing Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa told reporters here.

The model was specially created for India and has been one of the most popular brands ever in the Indian auto market, he added.

&quot;Now we have designed a whole new Dzire for sedan customers to fulfil the growing aspirations of a young and prosperous India,&quot; Ayukawa said.

The company has already received bookings for 33,000 units so far. MSI along with its suppliers has invested over Rs 1,000 crore for the new generation Dzire. The compact sedan comes with around 99 per cent localisation.

The new Dzire comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre diesel powertrain. It is wider by 40 mm than the outgoing version. It also comes with 62 litres of extra boot space and extra leg room of 55 mm compared to the previous Dzire.

The model delivers fuel efficiency of 28.4 km per litre for diesel version and 22 km per litre for petrol powered versions, MSI claimed.

The sedan would be mainly produced at the company&#39;s Manesar facility. The present generation Dzire would now be sold as Dzire Tour to fleet operators. The company has till date sold 14 lakh units of the model in India since the launch of first generation Dzire in March 2008.

Dzire has been instrumental in making the company a strong player in the entry sedan segment. The model has been contributing to around 50 per cent of vehicle sales in the compact sedan segment.

In 2016-17, the Dzire came third in the top 10 best selling list of passenger vehicles. It was the second best selling model among passenger vehicles in 2015-16. Last full model change of the Dzire happened in February 2012.

(PTI)

Dzire will compete with the likes of Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze, Ford Aspire and Volkswagen Ameo.

The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) launched an all new version of its compact sedan Dzire, priced between Rs 5.45 lakh and Rs 9.41 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The petrol variants with manual powertrains are priced between Rs 5.45 lakh and Rs 7.94 lakh while the diesel trims are tagged between Rs 6.45 lakh and Rs 8.94 lakh. The petrol automatic variants are priced between Rs 6.76 lakh and Rs 8.41 lakh while the diesel trims with automatic transmission are in the range of Rs 7.76 lakh and Rs 9.41 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi). Dzire will compete with the likes of Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze, Ford Aspire and Volkswagen Ameo. These models are priced in the range of Rs 4.7 lakh to Rs 8.41 lakh. "The new Dzire is bound to create plenty of excitement in the Indian automobile market," MSI Managing Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa told reporters here. The model was specially created for India and has been one of the most popular brands ever in the Indian auto market, he added. "Now we have designed a whole new Dzire for sedan customers to fulfil the growing aspirations of a young and prosperous India," Ayukawa said. The company has already received bookings for 33,000 units so far. MSI along with its suppliers has invested over Rs 1,000 crore for the new generation Dzire. The compact sedan comes with around 99 per cent localisation. The new Dzire comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre diesel powertrain. It is wider by 40 mm than the outgoing version. It also comes with 62 litres of extra boot space and extra leg room of 55 mm compared to the previous Dzire. The model delivers fuel efficiency of 28.4 km per litre for diesel version and 22 km per litre for petrol powered versions, MSI claimed. The sedan would be mainly produced at the company's Manesar facility. The present generation Dzire would now be sold as Dzire Tour to fleet operators. The company has till date sold 14 lakh units of the model in India since the launch of first generation Dzire in March 2008. Dzire has been instrumental in making the company a strong player in the entry sedan segment. The model has been contributing to around 50 per cent of vehicle sales in the compact sedan segment. In 2016-17, the Dzire came third in the top 10 best selling list of passenger vehicles. It was the second best selling model among passenger vehicles in 2015-16. Last full model change of the Dzire happened in February 2012. (PTI)

Maruti rolls out all new Swift Dzire at Rs 5.45 lakh