Archive · 20 Dec 2025
Maruti Suzuki to PMO over CAFE-III debate
Car companies in India are having a big discussion about new rules called CAFE-III.
These rules are about how much pollution cars can make.
Some companies like Maruti Suzuki think smaller cars should get special treatment because they are lighter.
But other companies like Tata and JSW MG don't agree.
They say giving special treatment to small cars might make it harder for everyone to make electric cars and safer cars.
The government is listening to both sides and will decide what to do.
Maruti Suzuki plans to approach the PMO to support weight-based relaxations for small cars under CAFE-III norms.
Tata Motors and JSW MG Motor India have written to the PMO opposing the proposed relaxations, citing concerns over EV adoption and vehicle safety.
The CAFE-III regulations are set to come into effect from April 1, 2027, and will apply until March 31, 2032.
Vehicles with an unladen mass of up to 909kg, engine capacity of up to 1,200cc, and length not exceeding 4,000mm are eligible for relaxation in fleet-average calculations.
The industry is divided, with some automakers supporting and others opposing the weight-based concessions under CAFE-III.
- Who
- Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, JSW MG Motor India, and other automakers
- What
- Debate over proposed weight-based relaxations under CAFE-III norms
- When
- CAFE-III regulations to come into effect from April 1, 2027
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address concerns over fuel efficiency, EV adoption, and vehicle safety
- Maruti Suzuki's stance
- Supports weight-based relaxations for small cars
- Tata and JSW MG's stance
- Oppose weight-based relaxations, citing EV adoption and safety concerns
- CAFE-III regulations
- To come into effect from April 1, 2027, until March 31, 2032
- Eligible vehicles for relaxation
- Unladen mass up to 909kg, engine capacity up to 1,200cc, length not exceeding 4,000mm
- CO2 emission reduction
- 3g/km reduction, subject to a cumulative cap of 9g/km per model