Fuel efficiency norms for small cars split industry

The proposed norms have been criticised by a large section of the industry, including homegrown Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Korean Hyundai and Kia, German Volkswagen, and JSW MG Motor. Maruti is pushing the case along with Toyota, Honda and Renault (that sells the Kwid mini).Those opposing the measure have written to govt, and even had face-to-face meetings with top officials, alleging that fixation of a new 909 kg weight category is “arbitrary” and against global standards, and benefits only Maruti. “(This) can have adverse effects in terms of the nation’s progress towards safer, cleaner cars, and can alter the level-playing field for industry players,” one of the carmakers said, pointing that light-weight cars will be unsafe for users, and will also go against govt’s push to electric mobility (where batteries lead to higher weight for cars).Maruti on Monday hit back. “Some incorrect facts and narratives are being pushed in a very irresponsible manner by the makers of some large gas-guzzlers to take away attention from their large gas-guzzlers,” said Maruti Suzuki senior executive officer Rahul Bharti, while claiming that relaxations for mini cars are also being given in markets such as China, Korea, and Europe (though the average car weight in these countries is around 1,100 kgs).