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Bombay car prices to rise as RTO slaps Gujarat surcharge on new registrations

Netscribes/Mahesh Shetty

In a bid to raise funds for Gujarat quake victims, regional transport offices across Bombay have raised the one-time tax rates by 0.5-1.5 per cent.

On-road car prices are subsequently expected to go up by Rs 4,000-7,000, depending on the model and variant.

The increase is with effect from February 1, 2001. Dealerships in the city told NetScribes they did not know till when this hike would be applicable.

The rates of increase differ according to the type of registration. For individual registrations, the rate has been increased from 3.5 per cent to 4 per cent, while corporate billings have been increased from 10.5 per cent to 12 per cent.

Auto dealers, who will collect the amount, are supposed to remit the same to the RTO.

"We got the circular on February 2," said Vernon Branche, assistant general manager at Spectra Motors Ltd, Bombay.

"When the buyers realise that the rate hike is for a cause such as this, they don't mind. I don't think it's going to have too much of an impact on sales - those who want to buy will buy anyway," he added.

Officials from the RTOs and most dealerships were unavailable for comment as most offices remained closed for the weekend.

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