Until now diesel cars have been a popular pick in the international markets like Germany, UK and France. India has always stood closely to international market in terms of diesel car sales, but this time around it is expected to fair better than its international counterparts. In 2014 alone diesel cars accounted for about 52% of total domestic sales.
The deregulation of diesel price and ban on 10-year old diesel cars in Delhi have also been the cause of drop in sales for diesel cars in the country. However, sources indicate that introduction of smaller diesel engines and introduction of modern diesel SUV's the sale is likely to witness a rise. Speaking more on the occasion, Rakesh Srivastava, senior vice president, Hyundai India, said, “We have witnessed a growth of 9% from January to June 2015 in diesel car sales. We are sure this momentum will continue. We have diesel engineering excellence... offering multiple diesel powertrain options (in hatchback, sedan and SUVs).”
Adding more to it, RS Kalsi, executive director, Maruti Suzuki, said, “India has a fair share of diehard diesel fans. In UVs and SUVs it would continue to be the preferred option. The basic calorific value of diesel is more, so it would always give higher fuel economy, a key factor in India. The parity on petrol and diesel prices is also very fluid. It was Rs 12 per litre a few months back and now it is Rs 16 per litre (in favour of diesel). Any change always plays a role.”
Source: HT
