The law related to the implementation of Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) emission standards for vehicles from April 1, 2017 across India provided for allowing the sale and registration of Bharat Stage III (BS III) vehicles manufactured prior to April 1, 2017 in the same manner as in such transitions over the last twelve years.
However the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India ordered yesterday that such stock should not be allowed to be sold from April 1, 2017. The Government had explained to the Supreme Court through the Solicitor General that, as in the past, vehicle manufacturers should be allowed to liquidate their BS III inventory. But the Hon’ble Supreme Court has passed an order banning the sale of such BS III vehicle stock and thus overriding the law in place, on the basis of which the Company had planned its operations. This unexpected ruling has perplexed the industry and will have a one-time material impact even on the Company.
The Company respects the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and shall fully abide by it.
The Company attempts to ensure sustainability in all its operations and products as feasible. The Company had made available BS IV models as required by the notifications of Government of India from time to time and has been ramping up its BSIV production for nationwide implementation from April 1, 2017.
The Company is working on various options to work within the framework provided by the Court order, even trying to liquidate as much of the Company’s and its dealers’ BS III inventory as possible by March 31, 2017 and will make every attempt to minimize the one time impact of this order on the Company’s financials.
