Diesel ban:SIAM ex-Presidents form group to find way forward

Some of the past presidents of automotive industry body SIAM have come together to consult with heads of other carmakers to figure out a way forward after the Supreme Court banned registration of all diesel SUVs and cars with engines above 2,000 cc in Delhi/NCR.
According to industry sources, the informal group was to take inputs from the CEOs of the auto companies on how to deal with the issue.
Some of SIAM past presidents in the group include Mahindra & Mahindra Executive Director Pawan Goenka, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice-Chairman Vikram Kirloskar and Eicher Motors' Chairman S Sandilya, sources said.

Goenka, Kirloskar and Sandilya could not be reached for comments.
The auto industry has been grappling with uncertainty after the Supreme Court order on December 16 banning registration of diesel-run SUVs and cars having engine capacity above 2,000 cc in Delhi and National Capital Region till March 31 as part of a slew of measures to curb the alarming rise in pollution levels in the city.
The worst hit by the apex court order are German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz and Tata Motors-owned JLR as their entire diesel model range is powered by engines above 2,000 cc.
The other automakers who have been severely hit by the ban include Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Toyota Kirloskar Motor, with many of their popular models having engines above 2,000 cc.

Delhi, along with Mumbai, is the largest market for luxury vehicles in India. According to industry estimates, the capital city accounts for about 20 per cent of total luxury vehicle sales in the country.