The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) welcomed the government’s decision of progressing to the BS V norms that will be implemented in 2019. SIAM proposed that the BS VI norms should be advanced to 2023 instead of the current timeline of 2021 due to the technology suppliers having expressed their failure to provide fully validated BS VI solutions for all types and models of 4 wheelers. The 2021 timeline will not be technologically possible or advisable due to the extensive testing and validation of technologies that will take more time than what is prescribed.
Vinod Dasari, President, SIAM said, “ For the country to switch over to BS V norms, the requisite 10 PPM sulphur BS V fuel will have to be introduced by the oil companies by 2019 across India before the new technology vehicles are introduced. In case of unavailability of the requisite fuel, use of BS IV fuel might damage the engine as well as the after-treatment devices fitted in the new vehicle. Also, this might vitiate the new technology benefits and the expected improvements in air quality. If the vehicle and fuel is not compatible, the higher emission norms cannot be met.”
Vinod Dasari- President, SIAM
SIAM is of the opinion that the introduction of technologies without proper corroboration and testing on the Indian roads will raise questions on several safety issues such as car fires that endanger human lives and significant risk which should be avoided in any situation. Apart from that, BS VI emission norms will not make any noteworthy change in the PM 2.5 emissions of cars as there is no change in PM at BS VI level and only incremental 10 % reduction in HCV at BS VI. Hence, for the BS VI level, it would be far more appropriate to have a realistic timeline from the safety point.
“Upgrading to BS V norms would reduce the pollution levels from the 4-wheeler industry by 80% in terms of PM 2.5 for HCV and 90% for passenger cars and NOx will be reduced by 60 % and 64 % respectively, thereby, making huge contributions to the ambient air quality of Indian cities. We are happy that SIAM’s recommendation to advance the BS V timeline to 2019 has been accepted by the Government.” added Dasari.
Dasari said that they are confident that the government will take a holistic view keeping in mind the imperatives of both, emissions as well as safety, before taking a final decision on the subject matter. With reference on upgrading to the BS VI level by 2021/22 as proposed by the Government, he stated that intense discussions have already been held with various Ministries over the last 6 months. SIAM has highlighted the challenges versus the benefits of advancing the BS VI norms from the AFP Committee recommended date of April 2024.