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Delhi lifts curbs on sale of Maruti, Mahindra and Ford vehicles

The Delhi government today gave its consent for unrestricted registration of six more passenger car models, including Maruti Zen-diesel, Maruti 800 and Mahindra Armada as these vehicles comply with the mandatory Euro-I emission norms.

The specific models allowed registration by the transport department of the Delhi government were Zen-diesel, all three versions of Maruti 800 -- EX, Standard and Deluxe, and two versions of Mahindra and Mahindra's Armada, M P Tyagi, special transport commissioner in the Delhi government, said.

Prior to this, the Delhi government had permitted registration of over 22 car models that comply with Euro-I emission norms. The models belong to eight auto-makers: Tata Engineering (Telco), Ford India, Honda Siel India, Hindustan Motors, Ind Auto, Fiat India Automobiles, Bajaj Tempo, General Motors India and Mercedes Benz India.

It may be recalled that on April 29, the Supreme Court had said that only 250 diesel-run and 1,250 petrol-run non-commercial vehicles complying with Euro-I emission norms would be registered in the NCR region between June 1, 1999 and March 31, 2000.

After March 31, vehicles would not be registered if they do not conform to the more stringent Euro-II norms. However, the order was later changed to permit unlimited sales of non-commercial vehicles from June 1, provided they met the Euro-I norms.

All these manufacturers have furnished certificates that their cars conform to Euro-I norms.

Ford India's luxury sedan -- Escort (petrol) -- has also been given permission for unrestricted sale and registration in the NCR.

The two Ford Escort petrol models -- Alpha and Sport-E -- not only meet but exceed the Euro emission norms and are available throughout India, a company statement said.

The Ford Escort diesel version also meets Euro-I norms and is undergoing tests for Euro-II compliance.

''Ford has a worldwide commitment to environmental protection and emission control,'' said Phil Spender, managing director of Ford India.

He further urged the government, automobile manufacturers and petroleum industry to work together and ensure availability of good quality fuel for lower emissions. ''A policy needs to be developed for inspection and maintenance of old vehicles that do not conform to the required environment norms,'' Spender added.

UNI

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