Tata Motors opposes CAFE exemption for small petrol cars

Tata Motors has opposed a proposed exemption that would allow small petrol cars to skip strict Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms in India. The company argues that such relaxations could slow adoption of cleaner technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs), and may compromise vehicle safety standards. In a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office, Tata Motors highlighted that exempting certain petrol cars based on weight, engine size, or length could dilute focus on cleaner technologies and reduce incentives for innovation. It also warned that this might encourage manufacturers to reduce car weight at the expense of essential safety features. The company urged the government not to create special vehicle categories for concessions under CAFE norms, emphasizing that it could conflict with India’s goals for zero‑emission adoption, vehicle safety, and a level playing field for all automakers.