Hybridity Seeks Popularity
The sudden and strict rules imposed by the government in order to tone down the pollution levels of the country has led to the popularity of what we call the ‘Hybrid Evolution’. With the fossils turning villain and the whole ecology getting damaged the government recently banned the registration of all the diesel vehicles with more than 2000cc capacity in Delhi NCR. Also, the repetition of the Odd-Even phase has made people more aware and concerned about the levels of pollution in the city.
All this, however, has led to the popularity and adoption of the hybrid cars in the market. This is evident from the fact that the sale of the hybrid vehicles in the NCR has multiplied.
Sales of Toyota Motor's Camry Hybrid rose more than 50% in the NCR in the past three months.
Maruti Suzuki has witnessed a significant jump in demand for its mid-size sedan Ciaz and the Ertiga multi-utility vehicle offering micro-hybrid technology to conserve energy.
The new Toyota Prius is expected to hit the road in India in mid-2016 while Honda Motor is set to bring its Accord Hybrid towards the festival season. Hyundai Motor and Volkswagen had displayed hybrid versions of the Sonata and Passat sedans at the Delhi Auto Expo. Hyundai, however, said that the India launch of the Sonata hybrid may not happen immediately.
CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles are exempted from the Odd-Even rule. This is just one reason why the sale of Hybrids has increased.
Strong hybrids come at a price, almost double that of a regular version of a sedan. Imports raise prices further. While steep price is a deterrent for many to buy hybrids, the government on its part has started doing its bit. The government offer incentives and subsidies on the vehicles that are eco-friendly like the hybrids. Also, there is a reduction of exercise duty by 50%.Also, the infrastructural cess of the Union Budget of 2016 has no effect on the hybrids.
Twinkle Jain
Principal Correspondent
