Maruti launches new BS-IV-compliant engine

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. has unveiled the new Ritz K12M engine produced at its plant in Gurgaon, Haryana state in northern India. The Ritz K12M engine is India’s first BS-IV emissions-compliant passenger car engine and Maruti Suzuki claims it is the best in its class with regards to fuel efficiency. It will use the engine, developed specifically for India, in its soon-to-be-launched Ritz hatchback. The 1197cc all-aluminum engine is the second in the K series and after the K10B unit used in Maruti’s new A-star (Alto for export) and the Pixo variant built for Nissan on an OEM basis. The engine is manufactured in a new facility at the Gurgaon plant inaugurated last year to build the K10B.The upcoming Ritz compact will compete in India’s segment alongside Maruti’s current Alto, Zen Estilo, A star, Wagon R and Swift. It will be positioned at the upper end of the fast-growing market segment. (April 15, 2009)