Suzuki Motor Corporation is charting its course for the next decade with a comprehensive powertrain strategy that embraces internal combustion engines, electric vehicles, and hybrid technologies. This initiative is geared toward achieving carbon neutrality, with targets of eliminating carbon emissions by 2050 in Japan and Europe, and by 2070 in India. The strategy underscores the company’s dedication to both conventional petrol engines and the development of electric and hybrid vehicle solutions.
A key element of this roadmap involves the introduction of new models equipped with fuel-efficient hybrid engines and vehicles designed to utilize biofuel or e-fuel technology. Suzuki believes that providing various powertrain options tailored to specific market needs and infrastructure is the key to a balanced automotive industry. This plan is expected to strengthen Suzuki’s presence in global markets, and also drive environmentally friendly mobility in India’s burgeoning auto sector.
Specifically for India, the Japanese carmaker intends to launch FFVs (Flex Fuel Vehicles) capable of running on up to 85% bioethanol by the end of the fiscal year, March 2026. Maruti Suzuki India already launched E20 bioethanol-compatible engines in April 2025.
The Maruti Wagon R flex-fuel prototype, initially unveiled in December 2022 and showcased at subsequent auto expos, is poised to be India’s first mass-market flex-fuel vehicle. It will be able to run on a range of ethanol-petrol blends from 20% (E20) to 85% (E95). The model has been developed by Maruti Suzuki’s engineering team, with input from Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan.
In 2026, the Indo-Japanese automaker will introduce its multi-powertrain strategy in India with the eVitara electric SUV and the Fronx hybrid compact crossover. The Maruti Fronx will be the brand’s first hybrid offering, showcasing an in-house developed strong hybrid powertrain. According to reports, Maruti Suzuki’s new strong hybrid system is expected to be more cost-effective than Toyota’s Atkinson hybrid powertrain. Maruti Suzuki plans to incorporate this new hybrid powertrain in models like the new generation Baleno, a compact MPV, and vehicles such as the next generation Swift and Brezza.
