What extra info will star rating give, asks SIAM

The Society of Indian Automobile Association on Monday wondered what additional information customers will get from a proposed 'star rating' of cars based on fuel efficiency, although it insisted that the industry was not opposed to any such move.

"There is no opposition from SIAM on fuel efficiency rating . . . but the industry is wondering what the star rating will offer to the consumers," SIAM president Pawan Goenka said in New Delhi on Monday.

SIAM had already implemented a voluntary mileage disclosure programme by all its members from April 2009, under which all manufacturers make public the fuel efficiency of each car model they make which is certified by the Automotive Research Association of India.

"I don't think consumers need any additional information than what's being given today," Goenka said, adding that the industry is still "wondering what star rating will offer".

The power ministry had planned to rate passenger cars on the basis of fuel economy. The nodal agency for implementing energy conservation programme, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, is expected to implement rating of cars on the basis of fuel efficiency, charging about Rs 200 per unit from manufacturers.

Goenka said there was a need for clarity on the process as to how to rate different cars of different engine capacities, as smaller engine capacity would have more fuel efficiency compared to a bigger engine car.