Maruti Suzuki India launched its first strong hybrid SUV, the Grand Vitara Hybrid Plus, at a starting price of Rs 22.4 lakh, marking the company's strategic entry into the growing premium hybrid vehicle segment. The new variant uses a Toyota-derived self-charging hybrid system and is expected to deliver a fuel efficiency of 28 kmpl, making it significantly more economical than conventional petrol SUVs in the same price range.
The launch is part of Maruti's strategy to offer a technology bridge between conventional internal combustion engines and full battery electric vehicles, which still face challenges around charging infrastructure availability and higher purchase costs. The company believes strong hybrid vehicles are the most practical near-term solution for Indian consumers, particularly in cities with unreliable charging infrastructure.
Maruti Suzuki's MD & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said the company plans to launch six hybrid vehicles by 2027 across different price segments. The company has also announced an investment of Rs 35,000 crore in its new EV manufacturing plant in Haryana, which will produce battery electric vehicles starting from 2026-27. India's largest automaker is positioning itself to remain market leader through the industry's transition from ICE to electrified powertrains over the coming decade.
