Merely moving to Bharat Stage IV norms will not bring down pollution. The complete impact of the new emission norms, on which oil companies have spent nearly Rs 30,000 crore, will be fully realised only if old vehicles are phased out, according to auto manufacturers.

“Another Rs 10,000-15,000 crore has to be invested to equip refineries with technology to produce BS IV-compliant fuel to achieve the Government directive of covering 50 cities by 2015,” said Dr R. K. Malhotra, Director (R&D), Indian Oil Corporation. At present, 16 major cities have come under the latest emission norms.

Unfortunately, existing vehicles are not equipped to reap the benefits of BS IV norms. “Only a small part of total particulate emission (sulphur) will come down. The major impact on old vehicles can be felt only if they have retro-fit engines and after-treatment devices,” said Dr Malhotra on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Automotive Conference (APAC).

According to OEMs, it is not easy or inexpensive to have retro-fit devices in vehicles. “Retrofits are not always possible as it involves significant recalibration and the costs are not insignificant,” said Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, Steering Committee, APAC, and President, Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra and Mahindra.

“Phasing out older vehicles is the way out. This requires Government support as there is the question of who will bear the costs of disposing vehicles,” said Dr Goenka.

In several countries, vehicle owners are being given incentives to replace old vehicles. “Several governments have written a significant cheque towards this,” said Mr R. Seshsayee, Executive Vice-Chairman, Ashok Leyland.

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