Mercedes-Benz India unveiled India’s first-ever BS VI-compliant vehicles — S Class 350d and Mercedes-Maybach S 560 — which have the capability to run on existing BS IV fuel. These vehicles would be introduced in the market later in 2018. Going forward, the company would manufacture BS VI-complaint vehicles only.
The Certificate of Compliance to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) for Mercedes-Benz India was presented by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) director Rashmi Urdhwareshe in the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport. , Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, at a function held in Mumbai.
“Now that Mercedes-Benz has developed BS VI vehicles more than two years in advance of the BS VI deadline, other automobile companies must come out with BS VI-compliant vehicles,” he said. “I congratulate Mercedes-Benz for their efforts towards not only making safe vehicles but also for greener vehicles by introducing the first BS VI vehicle in India much ahead of the regulations.”
“We conducted stringent and extensive tests on the both petrol and diesel Mercedes-Benz vehicles,” said Rashmi Urdhwareshe.
“The results of the test are in compliance to prescribed CMVR rules followed by ARAI. BS VI test protocol and facilities are significantly different than BS IV and ARAI is fully equipped to handle upcoming development and certification work for all vehicle models and engines,” said Ms. Urdhwareshe
Mercedes- Benz believes that this development would further accelerate the adoption of cleaner vehicles in the market.
“The introduction of India’s first BS VI vehicles in the market is a significant milestone and we strongly believe that this will pave the way for other manufacturers to introduce their BS VI vehicles in India. This, we believe, would also be beneficial for the end customer as they could use the latest technology available,” said Roland Folger, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.