After Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki launches unique initiative to protect buyers from petrol price hikes for 1 year

In view of the biggest-ever hike in petrol prices in India, the country's largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), has started a unique campaign called ‘Maruti Suzuki Petrol Price Hike Protection Scheme’. The objective of this initiative is to safeguard customers who buy a petrol-powered Maruti Suzuki car from any further increase in fuel price till May 01, 2013 or a distance of 12,000 km, whichever comes first. Such a move will not only protect buyers from the said hike, but also help the manufacturer push the lagging sales of its petrol-fuelled models. This scheme comes just a few weeks after rival car maker Hyundai rolled out the 'Petrol Price Lock Assurance' campaign for patrons who own Santro and i10 models.

Applicable on models like Alto, Alto K10, Estilo, WagonR, A-Star and Ritz, this unique scheme will be applicable only on cars bought till June 30, 2012. Therefore, buyers would be eligible for reimbursements on the petrol price hikes from the date of buying their new Maruti Suzuki car till May 01, 2013 or till they cover a total distance of 12,000 km. Under this initiative, the company will refund the amount paid by the customer for any increase in petrol prices up to Rs. 10 above the cost of petrol on May 01, 2012 (Rs. 65.64 per litre). However, only the original buyers of the cars sold under this scheme can file a claim for refunds and even if the vehicle is sold within the eligibility period, it will fall out of the ambit of the scheme.

Those who buy one of the selected Maruti Suzuki cars till June 30, 2012 will be given the copy a certificate that states the terms and conditions of this innovative initiative, while the original of the same will be retained by the dealership. Upon the completion of the period, they would have to provide this copy of the certificate with the requisite details to the dealership. The concerned Maruti Suzuki outlet will calculate the sum to be reimbursed keeping in mind factors like odometer reading, hike in petrol prices and ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency of the car as part of the ‘Maruti Suzuki Petrol Price Hike Protection Scheme’. Of the total sum, the company dealership will pay Rs. 1000 to the buyers, whereas the remaining figure will be paid by the manufacturer.