The Union Ministry for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises is planning to approach the government to discuss a change in duty structure to introduce cheaper environmentally friendly cars in India. Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh intends to discuss lowering of import duty on hybrid cars and electric cars in India to encourage use of such eco-friendly vehicles in India to reduce pollution in the country.
Eco-friendly vehicles help control emission of dangerous gases like carbon-dioxide and nitrous oxide. Moreover, they deliver better mileage than cars running on fossil fuel.
Honda had launched its hybrid model Civic last year but then discontinued as its high price tag could not muster enough sales. Honda Civic hybrid delivers a minimum mileage of 20kmpl and was priced at Rs. 23 lakh. The petrol variant of Civic delivers a mileage of only 8-9 kmpl and is priced at Rs. 12 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Delhi Auto Expo is coming up next year in January 2010. Toyota is planning to introduce its hybrid model Prius that delivers a mileage of 22 kmpl. Nissan Altima and GM Taheo are also slated for a launch in India which would become considerably cheaper if the duty structure is revised. General Motors is already planning to introduce the electric model of Chevrolet Spark by using Reva’s technology.
If the new duty structure is introduced for hybrid vehicles, it would not only result in lesser vehicular emission but also better and a wider range of fuel efficient cars in India. The government has already initiated its talks with Tata Motors, Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki to develop mini and full hybrid vehicles in India.
