KATHMANDU: A consumer court in India has ordered Maruti Suzuki to replace a customer’s Grand Vitara after finding the SUV suffered damage allegedly linked to the use of E20 fuel.
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Raipur directed the automaker to provide Dr. Premraj Debta with a new E20-compatible vehicle within 45 days. If the company fails to do so, it must reimburse the full value of the SUV, amounting to 2.05 million Indian rupees.
The court also ordered Maruti Suzuki to pay Indian Rs 100,000 as compensation for mental harassment and an additional Indian Rs 10,000 towards litigation costs.
Maruti Suzuki has said it will challenge the ruling in a higher court.
According to the company, the Grand Vitara involved in the case was already designed to operate on E20 fuel, and this information was clearly stated in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
The case comes as India continues to expand the use of E20 fuel, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, as part of its strategy to reduce fossil fuel consumption and lower emissions. The outcome of the appeal could have broader implications for disputes involving E20-compatible vehicles in the country.
