At a time when the domestic automobile industry is strongly opposing lowering of import duty in the proposed India-EU FTA, the Tata Group chief, Mr Ratan Tata, wants tariffs reduced on vehicles and components coming from abroad.
In an interview to the market research firm JD Power, Mr Tata said such high import duties are unrealistic and create an artificial barrier of protection for local companies. He also said India does “not have an automobile industry” as “we have assemblers of foreign brands” and only Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors actually develop and manufacture products in the country.
Artificial barrier
“...I also think that the very high rates of import duty should be reduced. They are unrealistic and create an artificial barrier to protect the manufacturers in India,” Mr Tata said.
Similarly, the import duty on components should come down dramatically so that manufacturers based in India can source components globally at affordable rates, he added.
The Indian automobile industry, primarily the home-grown makers, are strongly opposing lowering of import duty in implementing the India-EU FTA saying that it will threaten the competitiveness of domestic firms. Components players are also of the view that reduction of duties will lead to dumping of products in India.
At present, a fully built vehicle attracts a Customs duty of 60 per cent, which finally works out to around 110 per cent after considering sales tax, VAT and other levies.
For pre-assembled engines, transmissions and gearboxes, Customs duty is fixed at 30 per cent. Other auto parts attract 10 per cent.
He said to become a “truly Indian industry”, it is necessary to set up engineering facilities here, and then design and produce vehicles specific for the country.
“I would expect to see considerable growth in the industry by 2020. Hopefully, it would benefit Indian players like Mahindra and Tata Motors and help expand market share,” he added.
To become an automotive hub by 2020, Mr Tata said the component industry should be more sophisticated and global.
“Most importantly by 2020, I would like to see a much more mature automotive industry in India in terms of the technology developed within the country,” he added.
India is hopeful of signing the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union this year. The Government is also proposing to sign similar agreements with Canada, New Zealand and Australia.