Buyers want odd-even car numbers, free

Whether the experiment will continue will be determined after assessing the impact of these 15 days – from January 1 to 15

Delhiites looking to buy their next car have been pressing dealers for odd and even numbers to ensure mobility while driving restrictions are applicable. But not many are willing to shell out the additional Rs 20,000 to for their desired number.

The Delhi government has decided to allow only odd- and even-numbered cars on roads on alternate days for a fortnight from January 1 in an effort to check pollution in the city. Continuity of this experiment will be determined after assessing the impact of these 15 days. The registration number process in Delhi went online in mid-2015. Vehicle registration numbers are generated at random and there is no guarantee of being allotted an odd or even number.

Under the earlier system, dealers used to buy a series of number by paying the fees to the registration authorities. Car buyers enjoyed the flexibility of choosing a number within this set without paying any extra money.

“Those wanting to buy new cars are asking for a odd or even numbers. But buyers are not ready to pay Rs 20,000 since it will just be a regular number and not a VIP number. The only certainty is it will be an odd or even number, according to their choice,” said a Delhi-based car dealer.

Car dealers have approached the Delhi transport department seeking flexibility in offering customers odd or even numbers. “We have approached the Delhi transport department with a request to allow us the option of offering odd and even numbers to car buyers. Under the current system, there is only a 50 per cent probability of getting a number of choice,” said Raj Chopra, president of the Automobile Traders Association, Delhi, and CMD of Competent Automobiles, a dealer for Maruti Suzuki.

However, there is no assurance the state government will allow this flexibility.

Delhi is the sixth largest market for passenger vehicles and companies sold 182,115 vehicles in the year ended March 2015. Car makers are apprehensive that uncertainty over registration numbers will prompt a section of buyers to opt for used cars if the restrictions continue after a fortnight. Buyers of used cars can choose a number based on need.