9 months ago
India's Top Two-Wheeler Makers Seek Delayed ABS Rule Implementation
Imagine cars and motorcycles have special brakes called ABS that stop them safely without skidding.
The government wants all new bikes and scooters in India to have these special brakes starting in 2026 to make roads safer.
But, the companies that make these vehicles say it's too soon.
They worry they can't make enough of these special brakes in time, and it will make the bikes cost more money.
Some companies are asking the government to let them add these brakes slowly over time.
They also suggested a slightly different brake system that might be cheaper.
They will talk to the government about this soon to find a solution that keeps everyone safe and doesn't cost too much.
Indian two-wheeler manufacturers are requesting a delayed and phased implementation of the upcoming ABS mandate.
Concerns over cost increases (estimated ₹3,000-6,000 per vehicle) and supply chain capacity dominate the industry's argument.
The government aims for all two-wheelers to have ABS by January 1, 2026, to reduce road fatalities.
Currently, only about 16% of two-wheelers sold in FY25 were equipped with ABS, highlighting a significant supply gap.
Industry players are meeting with the Road Transport Minister to discuss these issues and propose alternative safety measures.
- Who
- India's top two-wheeler manufacturers (Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor Company) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), meeting with Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.
- What
- Seeking a delay and phased rollout of the mandatory Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for all two-wheelers, citing cost and supply chain concerns.
- Where
- India
- When
- The government's proposed deadline is January 1, 2026; a crucial meeting is scheduled for November 11.
- Why
- To improve road safety by preventing skidding and reducing fatalities, though the industry faces challenges in scaling production and managing increased costs.
Industry Concerns
Government's Goal
Timeline for ABS Mandate
Industry Concerns
Top manufacturers like Bajaj, Hero Moto, and TVS are seeking a phased rollout of the ABS mandate, citing cost pressures and limited supply capacity. They propose an alternative advanced central braking system with a front disc brake to enhance safety without significant cost increases.
Government's Goal
The government aims to implement the ABS mandate for all two-wheelers by January 1, 2026, to reduce road fatalities. They are pushing for the system to be in place as soon as possible and have not yet indicated a willingness to extend the deadline.
Supply Chain Readiness
Industry Concerns
Manufacturers are concerned about their ability to scale up supply chains to meet the demand for ABS, especially for smaller engine capacity vehicles. Dependence on imports for critical components like ECUs and wheel speed sensors is high, with China and ASEAN nations being major sourcing bases.
Government's Goal
The government is focused on reducing road fatalities and wants the safety measure implemented swiftly. The current supply chain, dominated by Bosch, Continental, and Endurance Technologies, may need to adapt to the new regulations.
Cost Implications
Industry Concerns
The introduction of ABS is estimated to increase vehicle prices by ₹3,000-6,000 per model, which could impact affordability for consumers, particularly for smaller, more affordable two-wheelers.
Government's Goal
While cost is a factor, the primary objective of the government is to improve safety and reduce deaths and injuries on Indian roads through the mandatory adoption of ABS.
Key facts
- Proposed ABS Mandate Deadline
- January 1, 2026
- Current ABS Requirement
- Models above 125cc
- Estimated Price Increase per Vehicle
- ₹3,000-6,000
- ABS Equipped Vehicles (FY25)
- Approximately 16% of 19 million units sold
- Key ABS Component Suppliers
- Bosch, Continental, Endurance Technologies
- Imported ABS Components
- 65-70% (ECUs, wheel speed sensors)
- Meeting Date with Minister Gadkari
- November 11
Quotes
Rakesh Sharma
executive director at Bajaj Auto Ltd
“It will be difficult to manage the capacity because that doesn't obviously exist. This includes all scooters, all 100cc, all 125cc bikes, which is a huge component and therefore obviously, the government will take note, [and] has taken note of this that there will have to be a phase-wise execution.”
livemint.com
“There is an important meeting on the 11th (November) with minister Gadkari, which is when he is meeting the industry for a discussion on the pros and cons of doing the ABS introduction on all two-wheelers.”
livemint.com
a second executive
executive
“The government, on its part, has not given any indication that it wants to extend the deadline of implementation yet.”
livemint.com
Yogesh Mathur
director of sales at Honda Motorcycle
“Cost is definitely there as an impact. But more important is in terms of whether we are really prepared from the supply side point of view.”
livemint.com
Harshvardhan Sharma
group head at Nomura Research Institute
“With the right industrial policy push via PLI alignment or demand aggregation mechanisms we see India achieving 60–70% ABS localization by FY27.”
livemint.com
Sources
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