Hyundai to pass BS-VI upgrading cost to consumers in phases

Kolkata, Feb 25 () As the auto sector moves on theslow lane, Hyundai Motor India Ltd on Tuesday said it is notplanning to pass to customers the total incremental costincurred in switching to Bharat Stage VI emission standard,but will do it in phases.

The BS-VI emission norm would come into force fromApril 1 across the country and new cars cannot be sold unlessthey are compliant to the new standard.

"As of now, we will not pass the total cost incurredto upgrade to BS-VI immediately to the consumers. It will begradual," Hyundai India national sales head Vikash Jain told when asked whether the company will pass the cost orabsorb it, given the market condition.

He said on an average, the automaker will incur anadditional cost of Rs 15,000-20,000 for petrol cars and Rs35,000-40,000 for diesel vehicles to upgrade to new emissionnorms.

The Korean auto major also expects that the secondhalf of 2020 will be far better.

"In 2020, the auto sector is expected to remainflattish to low rate of growth of 2-3 per cent," Jain said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of 7thdealership in city-- Gajraj Hyundai, Jain said Kolkata has astrong brand recall and commands about 19.4 per centmarketshare against 17.3 per cent country-wide for Hyundai.

Jain said to counter the degrowth, the company willbring in new launches and upgrades.

"We have introduced new Aura which has seen a lot oftraction in demand. The new Creta will also be launched soon,"Jain said without elaborating. BSMNN NN