New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS): The Covid-19 pandemic has warranted a relook at the timelines of some future regulations like fuel efficiency norms and 'BS VI phase II', said Vice Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vikram Kirloskar.

Kirloskar spoke at the 60th SIAM Annual Convention which was held virtually on Friday.

"As an industry we have always requested that there should be no changes to regulations once these are decided and notified," said Kirloskar.

"However, the adverse impact of the pandemic on the industry is unprecedented and would warrant a relook at timelines of some future regulations like fuel efficiency norms and 'BS VI phase 2'."

He mentioned that the recent past has seen a slowdown of the sector due to many contributing factors.

"The Covid 19 outbreak has only made matters worse. However, we remain eternally optimistic. We have firm belief in our capabilities and on the core strength of India's economic growth potential,"

Besides, he cited that the country has successfully migrated directly from BS IV to BS VI emission norms "in a record time of just 3 years".

"The Indian automobile sector has come a long way in adoption of higher safety and emission norms. In order to realize this, the industry has made very significant investments that will still require some time to recoup.

"Today, we stand at the crossroads with various technological pathways and alternate-energy options available for a cleaner, greener and sustainable future. We need to pause and re-evaluate our options keeping in mind the recent geo-political developments, our ultimate national objectives, including building a self-reliant India and safeguarding industry competitiveness."

"Based on this it is essential that a long term, stable regulatory road map and policy framework is created for the sector."