Major carmakers including Tata Motors, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, and JSW MG Motor have reportedly jointly appealed to the Indian government to withdraw a planned weight-based emission concession for small cars. They argue this policy would primarily benefit just one manufacturer and risk compromising broader industry and environmental objectives.
In letters reviewed by Reuters, these firms did not name the intended beneficiary in their correspondence, but industry data and statements from three automotive executives indicate that Maruti Suzuki stands to gain the most from the proposal. Maruti, the largest small car seller in India, told Reuters that global markets such as Europe, the United States, China, Korea, and Japan maintain some provisions in their emission regulations to protect “very small cars”.
The government’s new draft rules propose a relaxation for petrol cars weighing 909 kg or less, under four metres in length, and with engines not exceeding 1200 cc, citing “limited potential for efficiency improvements”.
This proposal has led to a clear division between India’s electric vehicle-focused companies and Maruti, delaying the finalisation of the crucial regulatory updates that would influence future vehicle line-ups and powertrain investment across the sector.
