Roads ministry asks Gujarat, Maharashtra to probe Tavera affair

Chief Secretaries of the states to head investigation into irregularities by General Motors of 114,000 cars built between 2005-12

The roads ministry has asked Gujarat and Maharashtra to investigate the suppression of facts on emission problems and other irregularities by US-based car maker General Motors of 114,000 units of its multi-purpose vehicle, the Tavera, built between 2005 and 2012.

“It was decided the states may be requested to form Special Investigation Teams, among others, of technical and legal experts, to conduct investigation and initiate action as soon as possible, preferably in three months,” a release from the roads ministry said. The penalty on the automobile manufacturer will be decided after the enquiry is completed.

The chief secretaries of the states will head the investigation. In addition, the roads ministry has also decided to convene a meeting of the standing committee on environment to consider recommendations made by the committee regarding procedural improvements in ‘Conformity of Production’ testing.