Tata Motors opposes the weight-based definition of small cars, saying CAFE standards are already effective

Mumbai: Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) on Friday questioned proposals to change the definition of small cars, especially attempts to introduce weight as a criterion.Shailesh Chandra, MD & CEO, said there is “absolutely no justification” for changing the Indian corporate framework for average fuel efficiency (Cafe) or giving concessions to any category of car.

During a post-earnings media call, Chandra said the original intent of Cafe standards was to “drive OEMs toward greener technologies at the fleet or portfolio level,” without setting targets for individual cars or segments. “OEMs are free to manage their portfolio with appropriate green technologies and achieve the target,” he said.

Tata Motors’ comments follow draft rules issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) last month. The proposal gives cars shorter than four meters, weighing less than 909kg and powered by engines of less than 1200cc a 3 gram advantage when calculating carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions under the proposed Cafe 3 regulations.While it does not grant the emission exemption sought by Maruti Suzuki, which had lobbied for small cars to be treated differently under the norms, it does provide an edge for makers of lighter small cars.

Chandra noted that the existing definition of small cars under 4 meters, reaffirmed under GST 2.0 on the basis of length and engine power, remains appropriate. By this definition, Tata Motors is the second largest producer of small cars in India, with more than 85% of sales from this segment. “We have absolutely no concerns about meeting Cafe standards… and we see absolutely no justification for any special concessions,” he said. Chandra criticized efforts to classify small cars by weight, calling it “an arbitrary criterion” that could compromise safety. “Encouraging lighter vehicles will undermine the significant progress the industry has made in incorporating safety standards and protections,” he said, noting that cars under 900-909kg do not require higher safety ratings.He also disputed the claim that lighter cars are inherently more affordable, saying several models are close to the proposed weight limit of around ₹10 lakh and could qualify by simply removing the reinforcements.

Chandra affirmed that the regulations should not conflict with consumer trends, especially with the strong shift within the sub-4 meter category towards compact SUVs. He said the policy conversation should focus on the transition to electric and flex-fuel vehicles, rather than weight-related classifications.