By Mohit Kumar
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Hyundai's latest innovation in the CNG market with the Hy-CNG Duo, a dual-cylinder kit. Check out the existing competition in the market.
Key Highlights:
Hyundai Prepares for Dual-Cylinder CNG Launch
One of India's leading car manufacturers, Hyundai, is on the verge of making a significant advancement in the CNG segment. Currently, the company offers factory-fitted single-cylinder CNG kits in its affordable models like the Grand i10 NIOS, Aura, and Exter. However, Hyundai is now developing dual-cylinder CNG kits and a new marketing term to popularise this offering.
In response to rising fuel prices, many car buyers are exploring alternative fuel options. With hydrogen technology still in its infancy in the Indian market, the best alternatives are fully electric vehicles or CNG cars. CNG is preferred due to its lower upfront costs and wider acceptance.
Hyundai aims to push the boundaries of CNG technology and compete with rivals like Maruti Suzuki S-CNG and Tata Motors i-CNG. To achieve this, Hyundai has filed trademarks for new terms, including "Hy-CNG" and "Hy-CNG Duo," as of May 31, 2024. These trademarks suggest a systematic approach to differentiating their CNG offerings.
The dual trademark approach may serve as an intellectual property protection measure or indicate two distinct CNG lineups. It is likely that lower-end vehicles will receive the Hy-CNG single-cylinder kits, while more premium vehicles will feature the Hy-CNG Duo twin-cylinder kits.
Following the innovative footsteps of Tata Motors' i-CNG kits, Hyundai’s Hy-CNG Duo is expected to offer a more elegant luggage area solution. Tata Motors’ approach of splitting CNG storage into two cylinders and neatly tucking them away in the boot has not only freed up more luggage space but also made the system less obtrusive. This concept is implementable in premium vehicles as well.
Hyundai is expected to adopt a similar strategy, extending the dual-cylinder technology to models like the i20 and Venue. These models could see significant improvements in fuel efficiency and running costs. The packaging of the Hy-CNG Duo could make these CNG options more appealing to consumers.
Hyundai’s expansion into the CNG market with the Hy-CNG Duo is timely, especially as competitors like the Baleno, Glanza, and Altroz offer CNG options. Additionally, the Venue will need to compete with CNG variants of rivals such as the Brezza, and with the Nexon expected to get a CNG version soon. If there is sufficient demand, Hyundai might also consider launching a Creta Hy-CNG to compete with the Grand Vitara, Hyryder, and the upcoming Tata Curvv.
Hyundai's strategic move to introduce dual-cylinder CNG kits, under the new Hy-CNG Duo branding, aims to enhance their market position and offer consumers more efficient and practical CNG vehicle options.