An interim order passed by the Gauhati High Court bans the sale and registration of small cars in Assam, which don't meet the crash test norms in the state. Cars that have been impacted by this order are Maruti Alto & Swift, Hyundai i10 & Eon, Honda Jazz etc. Approximately 140 models (including variants) from different manufacturers have been affected by this move.

In June 2015, the Gauhati High Court had directed the Central Government to make frontal crash and pollution tests compulsary for all passenger and commercial vehicles with a mass of up to 1,500 kg and length of under 4 metres. The order came in as a response to PILs filed which suggests that cars sold in Assam must meet Euro NCAP requirements, due to the higher safety requirement in mountainous regions.

In their defense, car manufacturers claim that their vehicles meet the present frontal crash test norms (known as steering impact test) in India. The Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Programme (BNVSAP) is expected to be rolled out in October 2017, which shall serve as a statutory requirement for manufacturers to adhere to. They claim that as of now, there is no real reason for this ban on sale and registration of new vehicles in Assam.

Northeast India accounts for nearly 12% of car sales with Assam being the largest contributor. The next hearing is scheduled on August 27. However, what is interesting to note is that SUVs remain unaffected by this order, with no questions being raised on their safety or structural integrity.

Source: ET Auto