New Delhi (NVI): Union Transport Minister Transport Nitin Gadkari today urged car manufacturers to give priority to the indigenous production of flex engines, which can be used in vehicles using alternative fuels such as ethanol.
Gadkari made these remarks at a meeting with delegation of carmakers from the Society of India Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said in a statement.
He said that with ethanol beginning to be easily available in the country, and more than 70 per cent of gasoline consumption being done by two-wheelers, there is a need to develop indigenous technology for flex fuel vehicles.
During the meeting, discussions were also held regarding the request by SIAM to postpone implementation of BS 6 CAFÉ Phase II regulations to April 1 2024, on the grounds that the industry is still recovering from the impact of COVID, and slow consumer demand, the ministry said.
Gadkari agreeing to examine the request made it clear to them that Indian automobile industry has to have world-class quality, adding that, “If the industry is meeting stringent anti-pollution standards in countries to which they are exporting vehicles, the same standards must be adhered to in India as well.”
The minister further asked the delegation to come back next month with a detailed study on what steps have been taken by the industry on meeting the BS VI Phase I standards.
“Also, on the financial implications of going ahead with BS VI CAFE Phase II standards, before a final decision can be taken on the demand to postpone its implementation,” the statement added.
-RJV
