Maruti Suzuki to phase out diesel cars as stricter emission norms kick in

Diesel cars account for almost a third of sales

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd said on Thursday it would stop making all diesel cars beginning April next year and forecast a weak rate of growth for the current fiscal year, blaming uncertain fuel prices and the onset of stricter emission norms.

Carmakers will need to invest in upgrading their technology, including for diesel cars, to meet India's stricter emission norms that come into effect next year.

"From April 1, we will have no diesel car on sale. Depending on how customers react... if we find there is a market for diesel cars (after the new emission norms kick in) we will develop