A day after industry bodies SIAM and CII called for a practical approach in formulating electric vehicle-related policies, two-wheeler makers Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor on Monday said “unrealistic” and “ill-timed” decisions will derail auto manufacturing in the country. Venu Srinivasan, chairman at TVS Motor Company, pointed out that automakers everywhere were supportive of the overall goal of introducing electric vehicles (EV) and as a result, have been doing serious development work to ensure a mass market EV products, while adding that supporting infrastructure for charging also needs to be as robust as conventional fuel options. “The auto industry globally is still a long way away from all of this, as is India. “To force an unrealistic deadline for mass adoption of electric two and three-wheelers will not just create consumer discontent, it risks derailing auto manufacturing in India that supports four million jobs,” he cautioned. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), had also come out in support of the auto sector, stating that there is a need for wider consultations with the stakeholders before the target and the time line for electric vehicles are set.

Source: The Hindu June 10, 2019 17:11 UTC