Close on the heels of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) making fuel efficiency declaration compulsory for auto makers, the Indian power ministry has said that it will make energy efficiency labeling mandatory for all vehicles in the country by August 2009. Power Ministry Secretary H. S. Brahma told media persons that the move is aimed at helping car buyers make more informed choices. There is, however, a feeling among auto makers that the regulation is unnecessary because they are already declaring their vehicles’ fuel efficiency, which can form the basis for energy efficiency.
There has so far been no formal communication of the proposal to SIAM or auto industry players in general. According to industry sources, if energy labeling is made compulsory, all cars will have to meet energy standards set by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), failing which they will have to pay a penalty.
