Ban should have been done in planned manner: Vikram Kirloskar, Toyota

Toyota Kirloskar is one of the companies that has been hit hard by the decision of the Supreme Court to ban diesel vehicles over 2000cc. The company's popular vehicles -Innova and Fortuner -will be out of the key Delhi-NCR market following the ban. TOI speaks to Vikram Kirloskar, vice-chairman of the company, to understand what it intends to do:

Do you think the decision is unfair as only 2000cc and above engines have been held back?

All I can say is that there are regulations for BS IV emissions and our products are following these regulations. There is nothing illegal in what we are doing. As far as 2000cc and above stipulation is concerned, I cannot figure out the logic for this type of a classification. However, we respect the apex court and appreciate its efforts to improve the environment in Delhi.

The fact is your important products are out of Delhi market. What will you do?

We may get petrol engines as a counter-measure.We cannot be out of the market. The options are there, but timing is an issue.

Is the judgement harsh?

The problem is the unpredictability factor. If it had been done in a planned manner, it would have been better. It is time now for India to work towards adoption of global standards. Let the timelines be set. If we are given time, we are ready to achieve any goal. It also gives us an opportunity to showcase our clean technology.

There are suggestions that emission standards should leapfrog to BS6 from BS IV?

This is possible. But it requires money and resources.It will also mean car prices rising by a lakh of rupees or so.

Many feel that the ease of doing business in India is becoming difficult...?

I do not think that it has become tougher, even after decisions like these. I can say that government dealings have become easier.

Do you feel the decision will spread to other states?

The worrying factor is a distinction being created between diesel and petrol vehicles when it comes to emission and pollution.