Carmakers Urge India to Lift Diesel Ban

Mercedes-Benz and Toyota are asking the country’s Supreme Court to lift a ban on the sale of vehicles powered by diesels displacing more than 2.0 liters. They propose the government instead levy a 1% registration tax on vehicles with larger diesels, the Economic Times reports.

The ban, which was implemented for the sake of improving the poor air quality in the greater Delhi region, took effect in January. Diesel sellers argue that regulations should target older diesels already on the road, not the considerably cleaner Euro IV engines being installed in new vehicles.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the carmakers’ plea on July 4. It also wants the companies to suggest alternate ways to reduce vehicular emissions in the Delhi region. The World Health Organization has described Delhi’s air as the most polluted of any big city. WHO says particulate levels there have sometimes soared to 23 times the maximum it considers safe.

India is preparing new nationwide emission limits for diesels that would cut allowable emissions 95% by 2019, ET notes. The rules will apply to all new diesels, including those used to power India’s unique mini commercial vehicles.