Straight Drive - Bhushan Mhapralkar

GST is on its way. Many states passed a resolution favouring its implementation. This is leading to intense debate on what will happen to the many sources of revenue local and regional government bodies have come to have. The likely effect of GST on the auto industry is also eliciting reactions. Expressed a senior executive of a leading CV manufacturer that prices of vehicles will not rise. A prominent CV dealer averred that he is certain of CV prices rising once GST is implemented. Transporters are also searching for answers. Of utmost importance to them is BS IV vehicles. Expressed one transporter that he is not very happy about the prospect of paying more for a BS IV truck, and at a time when the prospect of ‘return on investment’ is not looking exactly robust. He has decided to retain his fleet for longer. Electronics is an issue that transporters seem to be wary of. They are not certain if BS IV (electronically governed) trucks will be as reliable, as repair-able, as long lasting, and as profitable. Every breakdown, expressed a transporter, gives rise to a big risk of cargo theft and damage to life and limb. Apprehensions of truckers regarding BS IV trucks will need to be addressed. The fact is, the CV buyer is changing. He is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead of him.

Bhushan Mhapralkar b.mhapralkar@nextgenpublishing.net

The fact is, the CV buyer is changing.