New Delhi: The auto industry did not seem too pleased with the Supreme Court's decision to ban registration of diesel vehicles with engines above 2,000 cc in Delhi and NCR till March 31 next year.
The industry appeared to be of the view that the SC decision isn't optimal and that there was need for a comprehensive view of various factors contributing to the issue to deal with the problem.
"So, even if we believe the decision on diesel vehicles isn't optimal, we'll honour it and develop vehicles that comply with their stipulations," Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra tweeted.
"I have always believed that the Supreme Court is an institution that sustains our faith in social justice and democracy in India," he added. Shares of Mahindra & Mahindra slumped 5.5 per cent on Wednesday following the apex court's decision.
Sharing similar views, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice-Chairman Vikram Kirloskar said: "There are various sources of pollution which can be measured using a scientific source apportionment study.
"To improve the air quality from vehicle point of view we must take a comprehensive view of various factors causing pollution."
German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz, homegrown Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors-owned JLR are among the worst hit by the SC order as their entire diesel model range is powered by 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.
Tata Motors' utility vehicle Sumo Gold, SUV Safari and MPV Aria are also affected by the order. German luxury carmaker BMW and rival Audi are likely to face minimum impact of the decision.
