Maruti’s K-series engine crosses 25-lakh production milestone

Maruti Suzuki rolled out its 500,000 K-series engine four years ago. 

Maruti Suzuki’s petrol K-series engine series has crossed the 25-lakh production milestone early in August. The landmark comes six years after the first K-series engine was manufactured in October 2008. The 500,000 engine mark came up on August 20, 2010; four years and 20 lakh units more later, the 25-lakh unit has been crossed.

Powering some of the carmaker’s bestselling cars such as the Alto K10, Celerio, Wagon R, Swift, Dzire, Ertiga and the Ritz, the K-engine family represents an era of compact lightweight, fuel efficient and next-generation petrol engine technology in India. The K-series engines also powers the alternate fuel (CNG and LPG) vehicles offered by Maruti.

C V Raman, executive director, engineering, Maruti Suzuki said, “The K-series is one of the most refined petrol engine technologies available in India. It is able to combine best-in-class fuel efficiency with superior performance. The cars powered by K-series have won customers’ hearts and have become best sellers in their categories”.

Commenting on the future outlook, Raman said, “Engine refinement is an ongoing effort and going forward our new models will incorporate technologies that further enhance the attributes of high fuel efficiency, low emissions, superior performance and NVH.”

The K-series engine was launched in India in 2008 on the A-star (since discontinued) and has been later introduced on a wider range of Maruti cars. Rajiv Gandhi, executive director (plants), Maruti Suzuki, said, “The K-series engine plant deploys over 500 ‘foolproofing stations’ that ensure that top-quality, zero-defect engines roll out of the plant.”

The K-series engines are an outcome of R&D efforts on stringent design, validation and testing processes. Key improvements in some recent launches such as the Swift, Dzire, Ertiga and the Celerio include improved combustion, high compression ratio, reduced mechanical loss / friction and optimisation of engine control systems.

THE K-SERIES TIMELINE

October 12, 2008: First engine manufactured.

August 20, 2010: 500,000 units

August 13, 2014: 25,00,000 units