‘No logic in developing BS-VI diesel engine for small cars'

The auto major, with no diesel vehicles in its line-up, now aims to expand its CNG products range to bring in additional volumes.

 “There is absolutely no logic in developing a small diesel engine. It is less than 5 per cent in hatchback segment and has reduced considerably in sedans and entry-level SUV segment as now economics does not support it,” said Shashank Srivastava, ED, MSI Sales and Marketing.

 The auto major, however, may look at having a bigger BS-VI diesel engine at a later stage if there are enough customers for diesel-powered big SUVs and sedans. “Those customers who do not care for economics for running the car they may still be buying the diesel cars and for that the company has said it is watching the market very closely,” Srivastava said.

 He said: “If we find there are enough people in that category than we can always look at developing a bigger BS-VI diesel engine.” The firm is yet to make a decision regarding the matter. “We will have to look at the market as we believe such market (diesel SUV, sedan) will slowly disappear,” he said.

 BS-VI regime began in April and then coronavirus happened. So it will have to wait to let market stabilise and then decide on the BS-VI diesel, Srivastava added.