[TusharK]

According to a media report, the minivan segment in India is likely to be affected by the upcoming crash safety norms. It is said that people carriers like the Tata Ace Magic, Magic Iris, Magic Express and Mahindra's Jeeto and Supro could be discontinued as these vehicles are not built to comply with the new regulations.



The new regulations which come into effect from July 1, 2019 require passenger vehicles with less than 9 seats to have airbags, high speed warning system, reverse parking sensors and seat-belt reminder. From October 1, 2019, these vehicles will also have to be certified for crashworthiness.

Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra and Mahindra has confirmed that the Jeeto 4-5 seater minivan has been discontinued. Tata Motors has also hinted that the passenger versions of the Ace will not be sold once the new regulations come into force.

Source: Moneycontrol

Link to Team-BHP News

[Yieldway17]

Does autorickshaws come under this ‘passenger vehicles with less than 9 seats’ criteria? I would find it strange if the regulation bans vehicles like Magic Ace and not the three wheeled contraptions that are autorickshaws.

It’s high time we start phasing out the autorickshaws and so called share autorickshaws from our roads. Maybe call me elitist but we won’t be progressing in terms of road safety with those contraptions on roads.

[SmartCat]

Originally Posted by Yieldway17

Does autorickshaws come under this ‘passenger vehicles with less than 9 seats’ criteria?

These passenger vans have been placed in the same category as cars (hatchback, saloons and SUVs). Autorickshaws are in a different category.

Had I been in-charge of Jugaad department at Mahindra or Tata, I would have extended the wheelbase a bit and placed 2 tiny jumpseats at the back. Voila! We now have Tata Ace Magic/Mahindra Supro 10-seater variant

[albertprince]

Originally Posted by SmartCat

These passenger vans have been placed in the same category as cars (hatchback, saloons and SUVs). Autorickshaws are in a different category.

Had I been in-charge of Jugaad department at Mahindra or Tata, I would have extended the wheelbase a bit and placed 2 tiny jumpseats at the back. Voila! We now have Tata Ace Magic/Mahindra Supro 10-seater variant

Attachment 1880890

These vehicles which run as share autos in Chennai already have household stools as jump seats. Auto manufacturers have to provide space, rest of the development will be handled by drivers.

[padmrajravi]

Is this about the private registration of these mini vans ? I see a lot of them plying in my part of the country as private cars. If commercial registration is also affected , then it is ironic that the auto rickshaws are legal , but something safer like magic iris is illegal .

[deehunk]

Tata and Mahindra still have 2 months to convert these tragic vehicles into 9+ seaters and escape from the new regulations. A crowded city bus carries a load which is double its capacity, our metro trains carry people to the extent of suffocation, less said is better about our trains. If these modes of publc transportation can exist after 2019, why target a segment which caters to the daily needs of under privileged people.

[blackwasp]

Originally Posted by TusharK

According to a media report, the minivan segment in India is likely to be affected by the upcoming crash safety norms.

About time I say. I have had the opinion that only regulation can tackle issues like safety, etc. especially where safety of others is considered. A welcome move in the right direction.

Originally Posted by Yieldway17

Maybe call me elitist but we won’t be progressing in terms of road safety with those contraptions on roads.

You have a point, but let us take a holistic view here. While we are lucky to have the choice to say yes or no to an auto, there are many who don't. Further, with the CNG / electric autos, I'm sure pollution is also kept in check to some extent.

Originally Posted by SmartCat

Had I been in-charge of Jugaad department at Mahindra or Tata, I would have extended the wheelbase a bit and placed 2 tiny jumpseats at the back. Voila! We now have Tata Ace Magic/Mahindra Supro 10-seater variant

Haha, don't let the chaps at senior positions heat you. They might just hire you.

Originally Posted by deehunk

If these modes of publc transportation can exist after 2019, why target a segment which caters to the daily needs of under privileged people.

With the school season approaching, seeing kids packed like sardines in such contraption is a recipe waiting for disaster. If Govt. rules force these guys to upgrade to better ride, I'd call it a win. Case in point - the 6-seater, 3-wheeled vehicles in Panvel and surrounding areas have all been replaced by Eecos. The local administration had a role to play as they said all their permits would automatically transfer to Eecos. Take it or leave it.

[varunsangal]

Originally Posted by Yieldway17

Does autorickshaws come under this ‘passenger vehicles with less than 9 seats’ criteria?

I echo the same thought. Autorickshaws and the latest e-rickshaws should be brought under the same stringent safety criteria as other passenger vehicles and include crash safety, air bags, ABS and most importantly a fourth wheel.

Autorickshaws trundling down western express highway in Vector formation is a huge safety hazard for all involved, but is anyone looking?

[greenhorn]

the magic iris is a sad casualty. a lot of auto drivers had been using them to bypass the local auto cartels and offer reasonably priced services. Pity that's going away :(