Auto industry takes a lie-detector test on mileage

When the Nano gets launched later this year, as Ratan Tata has said, it may come with a certified fuel efficiency indicator that other passenger car and two wheeler manufacturers across the country will provide next year.

These fuel efficiency figures will be displayed at the company's dealerships. They'll also be supplied to buyers along with the documentation of the product.

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), a government-industry cooperative that tests vehicles for conformity to norms under Central Motor Vehicle Rules, will certify the mileage before they are launched. Nano got this certificate on Thursday.

"ARAI tests each vehicle for fuel efficiency in any case so it does not mean any new procedure to be included into a manufacturer's manual," said Dilip Chenoy, director general, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). "So far, these figures were kept secret but now they will have to be made public."

The move will put to rest increasing competition between car and 2-wheeler companies on fuel efficiency stakes and make it transparent. However, the figure will only be indicative in nature and companies can't be taken to task if the product fails to deliver the mileage claimed.

"The process will start from January and will be completed by April 1," said Ravi Kant, president, SIAM.