Bharat IV norm to make commercial vehicles costlier by 9-10 per cent

Commercial vehicle makers are gearing up to initiate a steep price hike across trucks and buses from April 1 even as the industry continues to struggle with subdued demand conditions. Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland, the two major players which control three-fifths of the domestic commercial vehicle market, will announce a hike of up to 10 per cent across their entire range from April 1, 2017. The actual hike could be in the range of Rs 50,000-350,000 based on the price of the vehicle. The hike will be as a result of the onset of the Bharat Stage IV (BSIV) emission norm that is due to be enforced from the beginning of the next financial year. Companies can continue to produce BSIII vehicles till March 31, 2017. To be sure BSIV has already been in operation in several cities but will now be extended to the entire country. Ravindra Pisharody, Executive Director, Tata Motors said, “There would be an increase of 9-10 per cent in prices of commercial vehicles following the adoption of BSIV.”