23th April, 2002
Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises  


REMOVAL OF CAPITALISATION NORMS FOR VEHICLES

Rajya Sabha


In respect of Joint Ventures of car manufacturing units involving majority foreign equity ownership, a minimum foreign equity of US $ 50 million was required. This requirement was, however, removed with the removal of Quantitative Restrictions w.e.f. 1.4.2001.

As per Auto Policy, announced by the Government on 7.3.2002, an appropriate long term fiscal structure shall be put in place to facilitate the acceptance and development of hybrid and battery operated vehicles (BOVs). Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES) is promoting the development and manufacture of non-polluting environmentally benign Battery Operated Vehicles in the country under the Alternative Fuels for Surface Transportation (AFST) programme. They are providing subsidy on the battery driven 10-seater and bigger passenger vehicles upto 50% of the cost of the vehicles exclusive of customs duty, sales tax and other levies.

This information was given in the Rajya Sabha by Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises in a written reply to a question by Shri K Rama Mohana Rao.