Auto Industry Seeks Two GST Rates For Passenger Vehicles

Automobile industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers is seeking two tax rates for passenger vehicles under the Goods and Services Tax regime instead of multiple rates levied currently, as part of its wish list for the upcoming Budget.

The industry body has also sought from the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley a special tax rate of 12 percent for electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles.

“The automotive industry has been suggesting two rates for cars in place of multiple tax rates, and requests the government to keep only two rates for vehicles under the GST regime,” SIAM said in its suggestions for the Union Budget 2018-19.

Currently, GST regime, small petrol cars with engine capacity less than 1200 cc attract 1 percent cess, while diesel cars with engine capacity of less than 1500 cc attract 3 percent cess, on top of the 28 percent tax.

Similarly, cess on hybrid cars, including mid, large and SUVs, remains at 15 percent, likewise those vehicles used for transport of not more than 13 passengers.

The auto industry has also urged the government for tax on used cars to be fixed at 5 percent GST on the differential value between sale and purchase price of the used car.

Similarly, in the electrical vehicle vertical, the industry has sought extension of custom duty concessions for additional critical components.

Besides, it has sought denial of any custom duty concessions to CBUs (completely built units) of electric vehicles to support 'Make in India' programme.

The industry body has also sought the government to clearly provide definition of CKD (completely knocked down)/ SKD (semi-knocked-down) units of electric vehicles.