SIAM demands 'clear road map' of BS VI norms

With the Indian government yet to notify its decision to implement BS VI norms by 2020, auto industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has demanded a "clear road map" to help automobile companies plan investments to meet stricter emission norms.

"The government has set the deadline of 2020 for BS VI implementation, but it should be notified quickly. Once we get the roadmap, we will start working on it," SIAM Director General Vishnu Mathur said. "We are insisting on a clear roadmap because once we start working on it, it should not happen that after two years somebody changes this road map for some reason."

The automobile companies had earlier planned staggered investments to upgrade to BS VI, keeping in mind the earlier cut-off of 2023.  "With the new deadline of 2020, we are putting our best foot forward. Most companies are working towards the 2020 deadline. If some can't manage, they will stop selling," he added.

He also underlined the need to have BS VI fuel ready across India ahead of implementation of the emission norms.

"Automakers will be unable to sell lower emission grade vehicles once they migrate to BS VI," said Mathur. "Everything, including the supply chain, would have moved to BS VI by 2020. So, we would like to see BS VI fuel introduced in the country well before we introduce our BS VI-compliant vehicles."