PANAJI
It’s a double whammy for dealers, as they have very little time to either clear such stock and or send these vehicles back to the manufacturers.
Due to this, auto dealers have no other option but offer huge discounts to clear stock of BS-III vehicles they are saddled with.
Prashant Joshi, president of Goa Automobile Dealers Association (GADA), said, “Our assessment is that there are around 1,000 BS-III vehicles lying unsold with dealers in he state at the moment. Most of these should be two-wheelers, as all cars are BS-IV compliant. Apart from two-wheelers, some dealers also have stock of trucks, which are BS-III compliant.”
BS-IV and BS-III are emission norms regarding the pollutants emanated by internal combustion engine. The SC has taken this decision in the interest of health of people of the country because in its opinion BS-III compliant vehicles can deteriorate the air quality.
From April 1, the apex court has also prohibited the registration of vehicles, which don’t meet BS IV emission standards provided a proof is given that such a vehicle was sold on or before March 31. This means that dealers hardly have time to sell BS-III vehicles and that’s why they have to offer huge discounts.
Joshi continued, “Some two-wheeler dealers have to offer Rs 10,000-15,000 discount just to clear the stock. The dealers cannot send these back to manufacturers.”
The problem is clearly more with the two-wheelers, as the manufacturers didn’t make them BS-IV compliant. Commercial vehicles, mostly trucks, is another category affected.
Ashok Sapra, owner, Durga Motors (Tata Motors), said, “We have 6-7 trucks which are BS-III compliant and lying unsold with us. We have to offer huge discounts anywhere from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh and in some cases even more.”
It’s very tough to suddenly find a buyer. “We are in touch with our existing customers to sell them these trucks.”
