Date:09/06/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/06/09/stories/2004060901340300.htm

Back Industry cries foul over seat norms for SUVs

K. Giriprakash

Bangalore , June 8

CONTROVERSY over the third row of seats in sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) refuses to die down, with a certain section of the automobile industry dubbing the move to set safety norms as an attempt to impose non-tariff barriers.

But the Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI), which gives homologation certificates to all new vehicles, has said that vehicles imported from certain Asian countries do not conform to any safety standards.

"Hence, we want to push for minimum safety standards in the society," Mr Balraj Bhanot, Director, ARAI, told Business Line.

A panel consisting of the representatives of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is expected to submit its recommendations on the third row of seats for SUVs and MPVs by September to ARAI.

Sources in the automobile industry said many Asian models are well-known brands and are safe as per their track record and popularity. "Do you expect us to redesign a vehicle only for India?"

They also said that while the Government keeps reducing duties on the vehicles, it also keeps putting up such non-trade barriers.

Internationally, there are no regulations for the third row of seats, while ARAI insists on having one, they added.

Mr Bhanot admitted that in developed countries there are no specific norms as market forces define the standards.