The Supreme Court of India has announced that the trade and registration of new BS-III vehicles will be banned across the nation from 1 April 2017.

However, it doesn't affect the majority of four-wheeler buyers in India as nearly all of the carmakers had already completed the changeover of their portfolio from BS-III to BS-IV. The companies had suggested the government deadline for 1 April 2017 was for stopping manufacture of BS III.

According to links in the auto industry, there are 75,000 unsold BS-III commercial vehicles, 16,000 passenger vehicles, 40,000 three-wheelers and 6.71 lakh two-wheelers.

The BS-IV cars cost more than their BS-III versions. However, the incremental cost is not too high. In the Bolero's case, while BS-III ZLX variant costs Rs 8.55 lakh, and BS-IV ZLX costs Rs 8.70 lakh (ex-showroom).

In a nutshell, for the short-term buyer in small cities and towns, it's an opportunity to buy a new two or four-wheeler at a heavily discounted price.Some of the popular BS-III car models which are on heavy discount today - TATA Indigo eCS, Mahindra Bolero, Mahindra Bolero Pickup, Tata Sumo.

The Supreme Court hearing mentioned that public health is more important than inventories and the trade and registration of BS-III compliant vehicles will not be permitted from 1st April 2017.