Let’s Hope for Some Relief Now
THE SALES OF NEW CARS ARE sinking every month and last month there was a further drop in the sale of passenger vehicles. The introduction of Bharat Stage VI is going to be another challenge for the manufacturers. At a recent press conference, the Union Finance Minister announced the reversal of some of the policies to boost the economy. The Transport Minister has questioned the Niti Aayog’s decision to enforce a ban on diesel and petrol vehicles, saying that it is his call what should be allowed to be sold in the country. They are even considering extending the date for the enforcement of BS VI norms to revive the automobile industry.
Under the provisions of the new Transport Bill, fines for traffic offences will go up considerably in order to deter people from violating traffic rules. It is a good move, because people don’t think twice before running a traffic light or going down the wrong way. However, the higher fines will also mean an increase in chai-pani. I hope the police will enforce the traffic rules both in letter and spirit. Most of the times they turn a blind eye to the locals going down the wrong way. I asked a policeman why they don’t fine two-wheeler riders on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway where twowheelers are not allowed. The policeman said that they do not take action against them because they are local residents.
Let us hope the steps taken by the Finance Minister will boost both the economy and car sales and, maybe, even create new jobs, thus putting a smile on people’s faces.
This month we have driven two new cars: the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. The XL6 is based on the Ertiga and the Nios is a larger version of the Grand i10. Both the manufacturers are hopeful that these two cars will shore up flagging sales.
EDITOR – ASPI BHATHENA
