The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has sought government intervention to help the sector in smooth transition to Bharat Stage Six (BS VI) vehicular emission norms from April 2020. It also said that the prospect of abrupt stoppage of manufacturing and sales of BS-IV vehicles overnight posed a monumental challenge.
SIAM President Rajan Wadhera has stated that vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers were on track to meet stricter emission norms. But, he expressed concern over availability of BS-VI fuel across the country. He noted the transition is very abrupt on March 31, both manufacturing and sales (of BS-IV vehicles) stop and this has never ever happened in anywhere in the world. He pointed out that it is extremely difficult to predict sales and plan inventories in such a way to have zero inventory on end of March. He added that this itself is giving speculation and confusion in customers and in huge loss for the entire auto fraternity.
Calling the transition as a very impressive phase of the entire auto industry, Wadhera said “all eyes are on us. Together we have to ensure that we execute this transition very well.' He also said lots of investment and hard work have already been put in by both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers. Ahead of the festive season, he also drew the attention of the government to take a swift decision on Goods and Services Tax (GST) reduction on automobiles.