According to reports, a surprise check by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) this month led to the discovery of issues with the BS III diesel motors in the Sail saloon and hatch and the Tavera.
While the 2.5-litre direct injection Tavera engine did not match up to emission norms, the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre common-rail diesel engine in the Sail saloon and hatch is facing ignition problems.
The BS III Tavera engine is manufactured by Avtec which maintains that the issue with emissions is not on account of the engine supplied by it but some other part. GMI has launched an investigation to track the fault and, according to sources, is expected to restart production of the stopped models from July 1.
Meanwhile, GMI has ramped up the production capacity of its BS-IV Tavera. The Tavera sells around 1,500-2,000 units every month, of which 70-80 percent are BS-III.
Fiat India, which supplies the 1.3 Multijet engine to other companies like Maruti Suzuki, said no such complaints have been received from any other quarters.
SHOBHA MATHUR
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Suraj Viswanathan
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
Saptarshi Mondal
Uday Singh
