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      Maruti WagonR Electric Car Launch Plans Cancelled

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      Maruti WagonR Electric Test Mule Spied Recently Near Company Plant
      Back in 2018, 50 test mules of the WagonR electric car were flagged off by Maruti Suzuki – To be tested across India

      Maruti Suzuki WagonR Electric has been one of the most spotted, yet to be launched EV on Indian roads. Test mules of WagonR Electric have been captured all across the country, including in hill stations like Kufri where Maruti would have been trying to do sub 0 temperature testing.
      Launch of this electric car was expected to take place in 2020. But that did not happen, Covid19 pandemic was believed to be the reason. But now, a new report from Economic Times claims that the plan to launch WagonR electric in India has been shelved. This comes at a time when the test mules of WagonR electric or what was claimed to be XL5 EV, continues to be on test near company plant in Manesar.
      Techno Commercial Viability Issues
      The Maruti EV project had already faced multiple delays in the past. Though there is no update from Maruti Suzuki, ET’s sources have confirmed that the company has decided to halt the project due to “techno-commercial viability issues”. The WagonR Electric was going to have considerable number of imported components which would have led to increase in its costing.
      With the increase in costs, Maruti wasn’t sure if the pricing of the product could be appropriate for it to become a big number churner. Most Maruti products manage good monthly sales of 3-4K units or more. Hence, Maruti didn’t want to bring in the WagonR EV if it would have been able to manage just triple digit sales.
      Maruti WagonR electric test mules in Nov 2018
      Interestingly, Toyota was also planning on an EV for India which would have been based on the Maruti EV, however with the discontinuation of WagonR EV, the Toyota’s project also will get shelved. As per earlier report, Maruti had plans to launch WagonR electric at Rs 12 lakhs. Interestingly, Tata launched an electric SUV at Rs 14 lakhs last year.
      Journey Till Now
      Maruti had started the WagonR electric project in 2018 by commencing testing on 50 units of WagonR which were based on the model sold in Japan. Later in 2019, Maruti built new prototypes too which were based on the Indian WagonR and continued with testing.
      Way Ahead
      While the WagonR project has been shelved, Maruti will still be looking forward to bringing in an electric car for the Indian market later in the future. We expect that the new Maruti EV for Indian market will now come around 2023 and it might land up being a cross-over or an SUV, considering the growing liking of Indian customers for those body types.
      In the meanwhile, Suzuki has set up a dedicated Lithium-ion battery plant in Gujarat which shall start operations around mid-2021. This plant will help Suzuki to plan on full-hybrid and EVs in the future, and additionally provide the cost-advantage through heavy localization of components.
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      Maruti Omni Electric MPV Imagined In New Render By Design Student

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      New Gen Maruti Omni Electric – Render
      Maruti Omni was discontinued last year after being in 35 years in the market due to outdated safety norms

      At the last Auto Expo held earlier this year in February, many manufacturers showcased concepts of their older generation models as future electric cars. The most prominent of all was seen in Tata Motors’ pavilion in the form of Sierra EV based on Tata Sierra which was a popular SUV back in the 1990s.
      It generated quite a bit of buzz and trended on the internet as well. Similar to that in recent months, more than one case of Maruti 800 has been digitally rendered as an electric vehicle, some of them even nailing the micro hatchback’s design. In a similar instance, a designer has rendered the image of the next-gen Maruti Omni as an EV.
      Maruti Omni, although discontinued, continues to be part of many livelihoods, especially those who carry out small businesses. It has also been actively used as a ferrying machine to drop children to and from their homes and schools.
      Even though it has been infamously described as a kidnapping machine, thanks to multiple bollywood movies using the car for kidnapping scenes! But truth be told, it was a perfect utility van for people on a strict budget. Although it had its fair share of drawbacks it was surely one piece of a reliable machine.
      New Gen Maruti Omni Electric – Render
      Exterior Design
      Automobile design student, Shashank Shekhar (@shekhar_design01) has reimagined a new generation Omni with an electric powertrain. Like the IC engine-powered model, this rendered Omni also adopts a boxy design. However, here it features a semi-bonnet package, as opposed to the discontinued model’s cab-over format. In real-world, this could lead to slightly better performance due to improved aerodynamic design. Overall, this would lead to enhanced safety as well.
      At the front end, it gets similar rectangular headlamps with C-shaped and straight-line LED inserts that are smoked. This makes it look very premium and futuristic. The bonnet and front bumper have a clean contour with uninterrupted surfacing giving a very low profile look.

      Further down, it is laced with horizontal LED fog lamps. On sides, it features squarish wheel arches, alloy wheels along chunky wing mirrors. The black underbody claddings and a high ground clearance give it a more rugged look.
      Door handles of the conventional front door and sliding rear doors are placed together and form a single unit. It also gets a side turn indicator on its B-pillar which complements the ones integrated on the side ORVMs.

      The rear of Omni EV gets familiar combination lamps but with LED light guides and are connected by a full-width LED stripe on its tailgate. From this profile, Omni appears to be wider. It also gets additional goodies such as rear wipers, defoggers and fog lamps. It is also offered in a dual-tone colour scheme.
      Dimensions
      The designer further elaborates on his design that his version of Omni EV will measure 4,000mm in length; 1,735mm in width and 1,860mm in height. In retrospect, the older Omni measured 3,370 mm in length, 1,410 mm in width and 1,640 mm in height therefore clearly this rendered model is bigger than its predecessor. This rendered Omni EV if at all make it to market will cost between Rs 5-7 lakh (ex-showroom).
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      Maruti Patents Invicto, Plazeria, Excursio – Future Electric Car Names?

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      Maruti has recently filed trademarks for 6 new names which may or may not materialize as commercial nameplates
      It is not uncommon for automakers to file several trademark applications to protect their prospective new car nameplates. Just last week, news about three new Maruti trademarks – Libertas, Espaco and Solido – came out. The automaker seems to be on a spree as three more trademark filings have emerged online now.
      Maruti Invicto, Plazeria, Excursio

      Maruti Invicto, Plazeria and Excursio are the latest names that were trademarked by the OEM. While the names alone don’t mean there will be corresponding products lined up, they make for interesting speculations. Usually, OEMs explore different nameplates for a single product and eventually arrive at a final choice after several rounds of shortlisting processes which sometimes include customer survey as well.
      The name Invicto sounds like something that would suit an SUV while Excursio has a MUV vibe. Associating Plazeria to a body style is tricky but we think it could be adopted by a small car or a sedan. Or these could be variant names of their future electric cars. It is also very possible that none of these brand names will graduate to being commercial nameplates.

      Or, these names could simply be some kind of new dealership experience. For example, the name Nexa was also registered in a similar filing. And we know that Nexa was not used to name a car by Maruti, but to launch an entirely new dealership network. Similarly, it is too early to say for sure if these new names could be used for naming new cars, or something else from Maruti Suzuki.
      Upcoming Maruti cars
      Maruti Suzuki is currently working on a range of new products most of which will likely retain the existing nameplates. For example, the heavily updated Alto and the next generation Celerio which are currently under advanced stages of testing are not likely to adopt new branding. The Maruti Wagon R EV is not expected to be rebranded either since the existing moniker enjoys one of the strongest brand recall in the small car segment.

      However, few of the newly registered trademarks could be used for variant extensions. Moreover, going by Maruti’s history of numerous special edition variants, we won’t be surprised if these trademarks are used for upcoming editions.
      Festive season push
      With festive season inching closer, Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to cater to the increased demand. The Indian automobile market is showing signs of recovery post lockdown as dealers are reporting strong re-start to the business. The collective hope is, the increased preference for private transport would help the market recover not just to pre-pandmic levels but also post positive YoY growth.

      The company which has ditched diesel engine altogether has floated a marketing campaign to promote its petrol-only by encouraging the prospective customers to calculate the cost-benefit balance between petrol and diesel engines based on their usage patterns. More

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      Maruti Solido, Espaco, Libertas Car Names For New SUV, MPV, Electric ?

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      Maruti Suzuki has planned slew of new car launches in India by 2022-23
      Providing a glimpse of what Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio might look like in the near future, trademark names of some of the company’s upcoming cars have been leaked online. The names revealed in the trademarks journal are Espaco, Libertas and Solido.

      All the names were filed by Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) on August 13 and approved on September 14. The trademarks are applicable for Class 12 products and the description reveals that the names are to be used for “vehicle; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water”.
      Next-gen products or all-electric variants?
      It is possible that these new names could be used for all new cars and SUVs the company is planning to launch in the near future. There is a higher probability that these new names could be used for all-electric variants of Alto, Celerio and WagonR. The names come across as youthful and trendy and will go well with all-electric cars. Something like that will be really surprising, as bestselling products usually don’t go for a name change.
      Maruti Libertas
      At this stage, it would be too early to predict which new name will be used for which car. However, there’s no harm in a little guesswork. While Espaco and Libertas are entirely new names, Solido sounds similar to Solio, which is a mini MPV produced by Suzuki since 1997.
      Maruti Solido
      As Solio looks like a larger and more premium version of WagonR. It is possible that the new name Solido could be applied to the all-electric variant of WagonR. The name could also be given to the 7-seater WagonR MPV that Maruti is expected to launch in the coming months.
      Maruti Solido
      Other line of thought says that Solid could be an SUV. Considering that it has the word Solid in the name, which probably suits more to an SUV, than a hathback. Solido could be used for the Toyota-Maruti SUV, which will rival the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. This is expected to be launched by 2022.
      Maruti ESPACO
      Similarly, Espaco could be the name of Toyota-Maruti MPVs electric version. As the name somewhat implies that the car has to do something with ‘space’ – it more suits an MPV. We all know that Toyota and Maruti are planning to launch an MPV in 2023, which will sit above the Ertiga in company line-up. This new next gen Maruti Toyota MPV could come in electric as well, and thus the name eSpaco.
      Maruti ESPACO
      Maruti continues to dominate the Indian auto industry with close to 50% market share in passenger vehicle (PV) segment. However, it cannot stay immune to the new challenges that are coming its way. Things can change pretty fast in the auto industry, as we have seen with new products such as MG Hector, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet. We have already seen Maruti Brezza’s dominance in compact SUV space cut short with new rival products. Something similar can happen in other segments as well.
      The battle to dominate EV space
      If it wants, Maruti can emerge as a major player in the all-electric segment over the next 5-10 years. The company is yet to launch a product in this space, but considering its capabilities and wide dealer network, it could easily catch up with rivals. As of now, there are primarily three fully-electric cars in the Indian market – Hyundai Kona, MG ZS and Tata Nexon EV.
      All-electric WagonR could be launched as an affordable EV with decent range for city needs. The same applies to electric versions of Alto and Celerio. With cool sounding names such as Espaco, Libertas and Solido, Maruti could be on its way to create a new breed of bestsellers in the Indian automotive space. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Suzuki Jimny based Electric Hybrid Concept – Created by Students

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      This design study has been created by students of IED Turin in association with Suzuki
      Over the decades, the Suzuki Jimny has grown into an iconic automobile, thanks to its simplicity, compact foot print and impressive abilities off the road. The Japanese automaker has managed to stick to the nameplate’s core characters every time it came up with a new generation of the mini SUV. No wonder that in most markets, the little Jimny has a waiting period stretching out to several months.
      Design students tribute to the Jimny

      Having a cult status with distinct design identity naturally puts the Suzuki Jimny in the radar of aspiring automotive designers. IED Turin students Raffaele Anile, Nicolo Bettinelli, Fiorenzo Fiorentino and Fabrizio Luciano found the Jimny’s raw character so fascinating that they decided to pay tribute to the vehicle through their dissertation design concept.
      The Suzuki U:man concept created by the IED team derives inspiration from both Jimny and Vitara. The brief was to design an Suzuki SUV concept made for everyone rather going after extreme performance or resorting to over-designing.

      U:man SUV concept
      The Suzuki U:man, just like the Jimny, adopts a simple boxy design. The roof section is kept simple with the B-pillar also doubling up as a roll hoop. A sporty front fascia with headlight displays represent modern technology while the bumper with neatly hidden tow hitch enhances functionality. The bulging wheel arches and six-spoke wheels add to the U:man’s character without going overboard. The whole glass roof gives a convertible feel while ensuring insulation from weather.
      While the exterior is all about preserving the classic identity, the interior is all about modern technology. The top part of the dashboard is made of displays that run across the full width of the cabin. The concept adopts an innovative HVAC which has blows air though gaps in the plastic panels of the dashboard. Features like wireless charging pad, advanced connectivity are on board.
      The team has opted for a four-seat configuration instead of a conventional five-seat setup in a bid to offer equal comfort to all the occupants. The place between the two rear seats has been used for luggage storage.
      The Suzuki U:man SUV concept is a design case study rather than a potential future model. So, the technical specifications of the vehicle have not been discussed by the creators aside from revealing that it has been designed for an electric hybrid powertrain.

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      Maruti 800 electric RWD with 378 Nm torque – Watch owner having fun

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      Pune-based EV specialist Hemank Dabhade has reached the final stages of his Maruti 800 EV conversion project
      Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) discontinued the iconic Maruti 800 in 2010 as the hatchback could not meet the then-new emission norms and safety regulations. In the minds of Indian automotive enthusiasts, the ‘800’ holds a special place since it has got a strong nostalgia factor associated with it. We are sure that your family or someone close to your family might have had a Maruti 800 back in the day.

      In its last iteration, the Maruti Suzuki 800 came with a 796cc MPFI three-cylinder petrol motor churning out just about 37bhp and 59Nm while mated to a 4-speed gearbox. The higher 5-speed variant made roughly 47bhp and 62Nm of torque. Clean examples of the car still find decent value in the used car market. On the other hand, the original SS80 generation has already become a collector’s item.
      The current-gen Maruti Suzuki Alto BS6 fails to match the Maruti 800’s charm despite being its closest successor. This is purely due to the emotions surrounding the ‘800’ since the Alto is much more technically improved. Maruti Suzuki might never bring back the ‘800’ nameplate (at least in the foreseeable future), yet many Indians look forward to a modern-day avatar of the hatchback.

      Loaded with sports seats, sports steering, touchscreen and a lot more – Modified Maruti 800 electric
      How about an Maruti 800 modified Electric?
      It has been a while since Pune-based EV specialist Hemank Dabhade started working on an all-electric Maruti 800 with his team at Northway Motorsport. The project, dubbed ‘Maruti 800 EV’, has reached its final stages and Hemank has documented the same (one of four parts) on his YouTube channel. Over the months, we have also shared Hemank’s other interesting projects such as the Chevrolet Beat EV and Honda Activa EV.
      Northway Motorsport’s Maruti 800 modified Electric is essentially a two-seater RWD city car that promises ample performance and driving fun (watch the owner perform powerslides, thanks to 378 Nm torque, towards the end of the video below). Its real-world driving range is claimed to be about 150km on a full charge. This is purely a developmental or research project aimed to showcase the potential of electric powertrains in a familiar platform.

      [embedded content]

      The four-part YouTube series gives a rough idea of what goes into making an electric vehicle. It covers how the stock powertrain is stripped out from the petrol-powered Maruti 800, alterations done to the donor chassis, electric powertrain packaging, minor hiccups along the way, cosmetic enhancements (new six-spoke rims, front grille, steering wheel, etc.) and more.
      Key highlights
      Episode 4 starts with a brief recap of the processes mentioned above. The main electronics, battery-pack (an extra set lies in the ‘frunk’) and their cooling systems are placed at the rear, in place of a bench seat. This is covered by a flat luggage floor. At the front, Northway Motorsport has installed a custom touchscreen panel based on a Raspberry Pi single-board computer. It incorporates real-time battery usage, motor and control temperature; output calibration and the basic drive modes: Forward, Neutral and Reverse.
      The main highlight is the addition of HHA (synonymously used with ‘Hill-start Assist’ nowadays). It helps the car remain stationary on a downward slope until the accelerator pedal is pressed. Finally, Hemank does some powerslides in his Maruti 800 EV — proving that small RWDs can be fun irrespective of the powertrain type. More