The Supreme Court’s ban on sale of BS-III vehicles from April 1, when BS IV emission norms will come into effect, is more a concern regarding availability of right quality fuel than compliance, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

Auto industry has had the capability of making BSIV-compliant vehicles since 2010, but lack of proper fuel prevented it from selling such vehicles. “Running a BS IV vehicle with BS III fuel can cause severe problems to some vehicles," according to Vinod Dasari, President, SIAM.

No one pushed for BS IV fuel availability over the last seven years. But this sudden decision is rather unfortunate as it will cause undue stress on the industry.

He demanded a ban on older vehicles in order to achieve substantial impact on the air quality and reduce pollution.

However, as MD of Ashok Leyland Dasari is not worried over BS III inventory as he is confident of selling some portion before April 1, while the rest could be exported to nearby markets where emission norms have not progressed to BS IV.

“ Vehicles still leftover, will be easily upgraded to BS IV at minimal cost," he added.

Stating that BS-IV standard will bring in much needed benefit to the people and the environment, Erich Nesselhauf, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), said the company had worked relentlessly for more than a year to gradually phase out BS III in its business system.

Industry analysts feel that the Supreme Court ruling may not have a significant impact on vehicle manufacturers as they had already started producing BS IV compliant vehicles.

“The chunk of the inventory of BS-III vehicles pertains to the two-wheelers segment and these may have to be diverted to the international markets where BS-III vehicles are still permitted,” felt Shrikant Akolkar (Research Analyst- Auto & Auto Ancillary, Angel Broking.

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