Explained: The problem with diesel

Why has Maruti decided to stop making diesel cars? How is the move linked to BS-VI emission norms that kick in next year? What difficulties would continuance with diesel present? What is the mood globally?

Manesar plant of Maruti, which has announced it will stop manufacturing diesel vehicles from April 2020. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra/ Archive)

The announcement by Maruti Suzuki —the country’s largest vehicle manufacturer — that it will stop manufacturing diesel vehicles from April 1, 2020 pretty much marks the end of the road for the diesel mill in India. Mahindra & Mahindra, which too has a strong exposure to the diesel platform, is working on plans to start offering petrol engine options across its entire range, except the Bolero. Tata Motors, another manufacturer hedged heavily in favour of diesel currently, is learnt to have decided against offering the diesel option in its flagship Tiago hatchback and Tigor sedan after April 2020.