The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) annual convention held in the capital on Thursday is being said to be one of the most successful. Apart from many automakers announcing investment and expansion plans, one of the biggest outcome of the convention has been that SIAM announced that its members will start disclosing the fuel efficiency ratings of their models comparable with their rivals from October this year.
"SIAM has announced the scheme for voluntary fuel efficiency labeling for vehicles. This label, which will be implemented from October 1, would provide information to consumers on the comparative fuel efficiency of vehicles in different categories," SIAM President Pawan Goenka said at the convention.

Many automakers had voluntarily started disclosing the mileage of their own vehicles since last year and now the industry, along with the government has geared up to make the process a mandatory one.

"This will allow consumers to make the right choice of vehicles depending on their individual needs. It would encourage and promote lower fuel consumption," Goenka said. Many in the industry were earlier reluctant to disclose fuel efficiency levels, but now they are ready to do so, he added.

"The industry is willing and prepared to accept mandatory fuel efficiency standard. As a starting point, we invite the government to formally adopt the mandatory requirement," Goenka said.

Earlier, the power ministry had said that there would be a mandatory fuel efficiency standard for auto makers under the Energy Conservation Act.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha last week, Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister of State Arun Yadav said, "...the notification of the standards will be made under the Energy Conservation Act by the Ministry of Power/Bureau of Energy Efficiency, in consultation with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways."


Source: Automakers will disclose comparative mileage from October : SIAM-WheelsUnplugged Automobile Industry News