In a new development, Chhattisgarh Transport Department has banned the sale of Hero MotoCorp & Honda Two-Wheelers bikes in two districts. This decision was communicated to the dealers due to the non-approval of new vehicles by the state transport department. As per the data available, there are 8 dealers of both the brands in the two districts. The decision was enforced because some of the dealers had stopped taking approvals from the transport department on the new models. From April this year, new BS6 emission norms came into effect forcing the manufacturers to launch BSVI compliant vehicles. As per the media reports, the dealers did not seek approval from the regulatory authorities for the BS6 Honda Bike as well as Hero motorcycles.
“We are really surprised with this order as the Central government has already given an order stating that state-wise approval of new models is not required as they are already approved by ARAI and competent authorities,” Vinkesh Gulati, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) said in a conversation with ET Auto. A notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) dated 4th May 2017 was issued regarding the approval of new vehicles. As per the notification, certification from the authorized department is a necessary requirement.
This sudden decision has not gone down well with the dealerships in the Chhattisgarh state. Manish Raj Singhania, President, Raipur Automobile Dealers Association released a statement regarding the banning of dealerships in two districts. He said “MoRTH had clearly stated that state-level model approval is not required as it causes unnecessary delays and harassment. Chhattisgarh should also comply with the same. The sudden ban on the registration does not reflect well on the functioning of the department”.
Currently, the ban is restricted to two districts, now we must wait and watch if the order will be implemented in the other remaining 26 districts of the state. Honda had recently launched H'ness CB 350 in the country. It competes against newly-lainched Royal Enfield Meteor 350 in the Indian market.
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