Government of India has moved in a new proposal to set fuel efficiency standards for all automobiles from 2015. Government has also planned to give star ratings for average fuel efficiency for all vehicles including passenger cars,scooters, buses, and truck.
The Director general,bureau of energy efficiency,Mr.Ajay Mathur regarding this issue quoted that they are working on the fuel efficiency standards that will be represented in kilometers/litre of fuel. The vehicles would be classified on their weight to classify them under different levels of fuel efficiency.He also added that the star-system is currently under discussion.
The new standards are based on ‘Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency’ (CAFE) norms which was widespread in the US since 1970’s and penalties have been paid by big carmakers such as BMW, Porsche, Audi, Lotus and Volkswagen in US for failing to meet the local fuel standards.The Indian automobile industry has already disclosed the fuel efficiency of each car voluntary.
The Director general,Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers,Mr.Vishnu Mathur revealed that they are already disclosing all the details and would be working with the government to develop any rationale norms.