New Delhi. From now onwards, companies will have to keep funds aside for the vehicles which are to be scrapped after 15-20 years. The government has made a provision for this in the scrap policy. According to reports, this is going to put additional pressure of Rs 25,000 crore on companies. This is because the company will have to reserve funds from now for the scrap expenses that it will incur after 20 years. The impact of the scrap policy on companies is obvious, but a big question has arisen for common buyers as well. Will scrap policy end the culture of vintage cars?
The number of people who like vintage cars is in crores. The group of people who like vintage cars are ready to pay more for them than a new car. But when the vehicles will be scrapped within 20 years, there will be a time when the old vehicles which can be called vintage will not survive. This fear is justified to a large extent but not completely. Let us understand what are vintage cars and what is their future in India?
Will vintage cars really die out?
The biggest fear regarding the scrap policy in India is that old vehicles will be destroyed. But actually the government has made separate rules for vintage vehicles. In India, vehicles older than 50 years are kept in vintage category. There is a separate registration system for such vehicles. If an owner keeps his car in good condition then there is no need to scrap it.
However, there is a restriction on the use of these vehicles. These cannot be driven on daily roads. But they are allowed to run during rallies, shows or special occasions. This means that the culture of vintage cars will not end, but their use will definitely be limited.
The real crisis is on vehicles 20 to 45 years old.
The biggest problem is for those vehicles which are between 20 to 45 years. These vehicles are neither new nor made vintage. For this reason, they may have to bear the maximum impact of the scrap policy. If these vehicles get destroyed midway, then the number of new vintage cars may reduce in future.
The biggest misconception in scrap policy
People feel that as soon as the vehicle completes 15 or 20 years, it will be forcibly taken away. It's not like that. The rule says that there will be a fitness test of the vehicle after 15 years. If the vehicle meets the pollution and safety standards, it can be re-registered. This means that if you maintain your car well, you can drive it for a long time. This is the way through which many vehicles can enter the vintage category after reaching 50 years. But one thing to remember here is that after some time the fitness test and maintenance of that vehicle will become comparatively expensive. The real test will begin here.
Option to hold registration and static inheritance
The government is also working on such options where the vehicle can be kept as static heritage. This means that you will not drive the car on the road, but can keep it safely with you. In this situation the rule of scrap will not apply to the vehicle. This vehicle may not be used for roads, but it can survive as a historical asset.
Electric retrofitting can become a new path
Electric retrofitting can be a big way to save old vehicles in future. In this, the petrol or diesel engine of the vehicle is removed and it is converted into electric. Due to this the vehicle fits the pollution norms and can remain in use for a long time. This trend is increasing rapidly in many countries and is slowly being adopted in India too.
Difference between common man and rich man
The impact of the scrap policy will not be equal on everyone. A rich person can maintain his expensive car for a long time. He can pay heavy registration fees or keep the car in the garage. But it is not easy for a common man. Vehicles like Maruti Alto, Swift or Hyundai i20 may hardly become vintage in future. Because after 20 years their maintenance and paying taxes can become expensive.
How does scrap policy work in the world?
India is not the only country where old vehicles are being tightened. Such rules are already in force in many countries of the world.
| Country | policy | Important thing |
|---|---|---|
| America | Cash for Clunkers | Discount on buying a new car on giving old car |
| Europe | ELV Directive | It is necessary to recycle 95% of the vehicles. |
| Japan | Recycling Law | Fees are charged only at the time of purchasing the vehicle |
| China | ELV Rules | Focus on reducing pollution and metal re-use |
It is clear from these examples that the purpose of scrap policy is not just to remove old vehicles. Its real objective is to reduce pollution and make better use of resources.
Only real lovers will be able to keep vintage cars
Scrap policy will not eliminate vintage cars, but will definitely make their path difficult. For those who can manage their vehicles, options are open. But this change will bring challenges for the common people. This is the reason why the number of old vehicles on the roads may reduce in the coming times, while real vintage cars will remain limited to only special people.
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