Germany urges India to clear confusion on diesel vehicle ban

Germany today asked India to "dispel confusion" over ban on sale and production of diesel vehicles, saying it was hampering the German industry from investing in India.
German Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure Alexander Dobrindt today met Union Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete here and expressed satisfaction on the visible presence of German industry in India.
"He, however, requested Indian government to dispel confusion on the ban on sale and production of diesel vehicles which is hampering the German industry to invest further," an official statement said.
In August this year, the Supreme Court had lifted ban, which lasted for eight months, on registration of diesel vehicles in engine capacity of 2,000cc and above in Delhi/NCR while imposing one per cent environment charge.

The ban had affected many of the German auto companies, including Mercedes Benz, Audi and BMW along with Japan's Toyota.
Responding to Dobrindt's concerns, Geete said his ministry other concerned ministries - the Environment & Forest Ministry and the Petroleum Ministry were working in this regard.

He, however said since the ban was imposed by Supreme Court in order to curb pollution, efforts for a balanced approach are being looked into.
Geete assured the German delegation of a viable solution, the statement added.
He said efforts are on to implement the BS VI norms for Automobile sector by 2020 and work is also in progress for developing required fuel for the same.

The two ministers also discussed deepening collaboration within the Indo-German Automobile Working Group.
Geete assured that currently, India is the safest destination for investment in the world, inviting the German industry to invest in the country.
The German delegation led by Dobrindt also inquired on the scope of enhancing investments in the Automotive research, the prospective use of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles and the Capital Goods sector and the probable impact of roll out of Goods and Services Tax.