New Delhi: The automobile industry on 8th of January urged the government to postpone the implementation of Bharat Stage IV emission norms, scheduled to be in force in 11 cities across India from April 1.

There is serious concern that upgraded fuels may not be available in all parts of the country, said Pawan Goenka, president of industry body the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). "SIAM has already made representations to the government that implementation of the new emission norms be postponed by 3-6 months in regions where fuel is not available," Mr Goenka said.

He said if there's no clarity on the issue by January 31, it would be difficult for vehicle makers to revert to the older emission norms. According to the schedule, 11 cities will move to Bharat Stage IV norms on April 1, while rest of the country will upgrade to Bharat Stage III norms. Engines confirming to the new emission standards will require upgraded fuel.

Meanwhile, vehicle sales crossed the million unit mark with 10,00,500 units sold in December, compared with 5,97,241 units in the same month last year. As per the data released by SIAM, sale of vehicles in April-December 2009 grew 22% to 88.21 lakh units from 72.24 lakh units in the same period previous year.

All car companies saw robust sales last month, with market leader Maruti Suzuki posting a 36% surge in sales while rival Hyundai's sales grew 43%. The December sales growth was, however, less than in November when sales leaped to the highest in five years.

India has become the third fastest growing market in passenger vehicles segment in 2009 after China and Germany. He added that sales in 2009 were also boosted by new launches totalling 11, the highest in recent years.

Passenger car sales alone stood at 1.15 lakh units in December, the ninth straight month of growth, compared with 82,174 units in the same month a year ago, an increase of 40%. Total sales of passenger vehicles (includes cars, utility vehicles and multi-utility vehicles) doubled in December to 1.49 lakh units from 99,440 units last year. Exports of passenger vehicles went up by 40% to 40,088 units.

Motorcycle sales rose 76.7% to 5.92 lakh units in December 2009 from 3.35 lakh units in December 2008. Total two wheeler sales which include scooters, motorcycles and electric two-wheelers was up 66% to 7.67 lakh units. Exports grew by 25% to 1.13 lakh units in December.

Commercial vehicle sales saw a major increase from December 2008. This was largely because commercial vehicles segment witnessed a huge decline because of the economic slowdown in 2008. The total commercial vehicle sales in December stood at 48,614 units compared to just 17,897 units in the same month previous year.