Heavy Industry Ministry to pitch for lower excise duty on Small cars, two-wheelers

07 Jan 2013 Evaluate

In order to boost auto industry, the Heavy Industries Ministry intends to pitch for lowering excise duty on two-wheelers and motor vehicles, especially small cars, in the 2013-14 Budget. Further, the Heavy Industries Ministry also wants the Finance Ministry to incentivize replacement of old vehicles.

Additionally, after detailed consultation with industry players and discussion within the ministry, the Ministry has prepared various recommendations, which not only aim at maintaining a healthy growth rate for the industry but also enticing investment.

However, there are no specific recommendations about creating an entirely different tax regime (either ad valorem or specific duty) for diesel cars. At present, excise duties on passenger cars range between 12 per cent and 27 per cent with a fixed duty of Rs 15,000, depending on the engine size and length of the vehicle.

Back in June last year, Petroleum Ministry had sought imposition of additional excise duty of Rs 1.7 lakh on small diesel cars and Rs 2.55 lakh on SUVs. The assumptions for additional duty depend on an average lifespan of 10 years and mileage of 18 km for small cars and 12 km for SUVs. However, the Finance Ministry is yet to decide on the same.

Further, as per data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), domestic car sales and production growth were both negative in November. In calendar 2012, August was the first month when domestic passenger car growth turned negative at -18.5 percent, followed by -5.36 percent in September.

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