NEW DELHI (India CSR): Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has announced a substantial investment of Rs 165 crore in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities for the current fiscal year. The company also confirmed its plans to launch its first electric car by the end of this year, marking a significant step towards sustainable mobility.

Increased CSR Expenditure

R.C. Bhargava, Chairman of MSIL, emphasized the company’s commitment to CSR, stating that the planned expenditure for this year reflects the increased profitability of the previous year. “CSR activities continue to receive the attention of the Board. The required expenditure for 2023-24 was Rs. 91.68 crore, which was exceeded by Rs. 24.07 crore and carried over to 2024-25. This year, the required expenditure is about Rs. 165 crore,” Bhargava explained in the company’s annual report.

Focus on Technology Development

As part of the Maruti 3.0 strategy, Bhargava highlighted the critical role of technology development in the company’s future. “Suzuki is advancing its R&D capabilities, and MSIL is enhancing its focus on conventional technologies while strengthening our own capabilities,” he noted. The company’s engineering manpower has grown to approximately 2,500, and its Rohtak facility is now fully operational.

Encouraging Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles

With the launch of electric cars imminent, Bhargava stressed the importance of offering a range of technologies to customers. “The best strategy is to provide cars with different technologies and at various price points. Pure petrol and diesel cars are the worst in terms of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, customers should be encouraged to buy cars with strong hybrid technology, CNG, ethanol, or biogas,” he stated.

Hybrid cars, according to Bhargava, can improve fuel efficiency by 35-45% and reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by 25-35%. He also praised the Uttar Pradesh government’s recent incentives for strong hybrid vehicles, expressing hope that such measures would accelerate the shift from petrol and diesel cars to more sustainable options.

Awaiting Policy Support for Diverse Technologies

Addressing concerns about the company’s pace in manufacturing electric vehicles, Bhargava pointed out the need for a supportive policy framework. “Some believe that we have been slow to manufacture electric vehicles. However, the government recognizes the necessity of using diverse technologies in India. States like Uttar Pradesh have already taken steps in this direction, and we await further policies to promote all technologies that reduce reliance on petrol and diesel cars,” he added.

Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MSIL, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. “Aligned with the principles of creating shared value, MSIL is pursuing multiple powertrain technologies, including battery electric vehicles, strong hybrids, biofuels like ethanol and compressed biogas, and CNG, to comprehensively reduce the carbon footprint,” Takeuchi said.

(India CSR)