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Auto industry seeks freedom to select anti-smoke technology

The Indian automobile manufacturers today sought freedom from the government for selecting technology options for meeting the various emission norms being specified.

''The government must only specify the norms and leave the technology option to be chosen to the industry. No technology should be forced onto us,'' said Venu Srinivasan, newly-appointed president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

''The government had recently imposed on us that all cars being produced should sport a catalytic convertor. What does the government intend to impose, emission levels or catalytic convertors?''

Highlighting the need for an integrated approach towards reducing vehicular emission in India, Srinivasan said, vehicular pollution is caused on account of deficiencies in several systems. This includes fuel quality, traffic management, inspection and certification of in-use vehicles, vehicle maintenance and vehicular technology. ''Norms have been laid down and followed for vehicular technology since 1991. Vehicular pollution abatement, however, requires a multi-disciplinary approach.''

Speaking on the occasion, the SIAM's vice-president R Seshasayee said the Indian automobile industry has consistently made considerable investments to improve technology. This is reflected by the fact that the industry has complied with notified emission standards and is moving swiftly to aligning with international norms.

It may not be out of place to mention, he added, that ultra-low sulphur diesel of 0.05 per cent sulphur content and 0.05 per cent sulphur in petrol must be made available all over the country at the earliest to achieve full benefit of all the measures undertaken. ''Unfortunately, this alone will not be enough to reduce the emission level substantially.''

Srinivasan added, ''This is because, post sale of a vehicle, users and enforcement mechanisms also need to ensure that the vehicle remains road-worthy. Unless there is check on fuel quality, spare markets, implementation of inspection and certification systems and efficient traffic management systems, and the consumers on their part ensure that they are regular in maintaining and servicing their vehicle from a nominated service centre, the emission levels in Delhi will not reduce substantially.''

The SIAM, he said, on its part has initiated its strategy for clean air and safe motoring and has allocated substantial funds for several projects in the areas of emission, road safety, traffic management, inspection and certification of in-use vehicles and automotive research.

Some of these initiatives included setting up of the Society for Automotive Fitness and Environment, and development of inspection and certification systems. The association has also pledged Rs 10 million to support a fuel test laboratories being set up by the ministry of petroleum and natural gas to monitor fuel quality at the retail end.

Vehicle manufacturers are also making efforts to strengthen their service networks to provide genuine spares and establish such outlets, having trained technicians and adequate equipment within reasonable reach of the user.

UNI

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