Delhi: 3-month ban on diesel cars with engines over 2,000cc

The Supreme Court of India has passed an order banning the registration of diesel cars with engine capacities larger than 2,000cc till March 31, 2016.

The move is expected to have a big impact on major players such as Mahindra, Tata and Toyota, whose diesel cars account for most of their total sales. Mahindra will not be able to register popular utility vehicles such as the Bolero, Scorpio and XUV500 in the city. Many of its other models have large diesel engines as well. Most of Toyota's sales are accounted for by the Innova and Fortuner. Both have diesel engines larger than 2 litres. Those looking to buy utility vehicles from Tata Motors will be unable to them registered in the city.

The ban will affect luxury car manufacturers as well. The entire diesel range of Jaguar Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz vehicles will be hit. Many models from Audi, BMW, Porsche and Volvo will be affected as well.

A report by the World Health Organisation revealed that New Delhi is the most polluted city in the world. Following this, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned the registration of all diesel vehicles in the city. With the ban, the NGT and Supreme Court believe that pollution level in the city will be brought under control.