As the deadline for making all vehicles BS-IV compliant approaches closer, two-wheeler manufacturers are scrambling to ensure their products meet these new emission norms. Bajaj Auto, TVS and Hero have already converted their products. A few companies have, however, asked for an extension.
According to Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto this is an “illogical” move. The companies receiving extensions have an unfair advantage over the others who complied to the guidelines earlier because it will give BS-III vehicles an unfair advantage. Bajaj has successfully updated all its vehicles to meet new BS-IV guidelines. He elaborated, "Bajaj Auto as a responsible corporate has complied with this directive and already commenced manufacturing of BS IV-compliant vehicles from October 2016. Moreover, with effect from January 2017, all products from all our three plants are BS-IV compliant. We have thus ensured that all vehicles presented for registration April 1 onwards will be BS-IV compliant. This has been possible because of meticulous planning for dealer stocks and switching to production of BS IV-compliant vehicles well in advance.”
Royal Enfield is making changes to its production process as well, but the company assures us its entire range will be BS IV-compliant by April 1. Most vehicles from Suzuki, TVS, Bajaj, Yamaha, Hero and Honda have already witnessed small price hikes. Many producers are also using this as a chance to release updated versions of their products.
