By Puneet Wadhwa
Jammu Tawi: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), in collaboration with the Delhi & Mumbai State Transport Department, has expressed concerns over the illegal practices of unauthorized multi-brand outlets (MBOs) selling two-wheelers.
FADA has reported that these MBOs are acquiring unregistered vehicles in bulk from dealers and reselling them to customers at discounted rates, higher than the prices offered by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) through authorized dealers, without any commitment to after-sales service. This has not only impacted the legitimate dealerships but has also shaken customers' confidence in the brand and dealer partners. Furthermore, these MBOs indulge in evasion of GST, income tax, issuance of fake/ undervalued insurance policies, delivery of vehicles without registration/ HSRP and helmets, resulting in revenue loss on various fronts.
FADA has reached out to Eknath Shinde, Honorable Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, Vinod Aggarwal, SIAM President, and the Transport Commissioners of Mumbai and Delhi, urging them to take stringent action against these MBOs and ensure their compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Transport Commissioners of Mumbai and Delhi have initiated action against this illegal practice. The Delhi transport department is also taking stringent action against the outlets operating such illegal trade practices. The authorities had already issued notice on Trade Certificate cancellation to such business units.
Commenting on the stringent actions being taken by the transport department, Kailash Gahlot, Transport & Environment Minister of Delhi said “Delhi govt will not tolerate any such illegal activity or corruption. We are committed to take action against any such instance”. Ashish Kundra, Principal Secretary cum Transport Commissioner, Transport Department of NCT Delhi, acknowledged FADA's contribution and said, “FADA has been working closely with the Dealer fraternity and the government to maintain a healthy and lawful business environment in the region. A legal notice has been issued to all the involved parties, and their respective trade certificates have been put under the scanner.” Vivek L Bhimanser, Transport Commissioner, Maharashtra said, “The Maharashtra Transport Authority is committed to offering a legitimate business environment in the region. We appreciate FADA's effort in working with us to eliminate the MBO threat from the state and for bringing in our attention to persistent illegal business practices in the region. All parties concerned have been given legal notice. We have cancelled the trade plate of dealers supplying vehicles to Unauthorized Multi-Brand Outlets ( MBO's)& have impounded vehicles stationed at such unlawful outlets. we have impounded over 6,000 vehicles, and trade certificates of over 50 dealers have been suspended for a week as of now”. Manish Raj Singhania, President of FADA said, “We have raised the issue of unauthorized multi-brand outlets (MBOs) in the 2-wheeler industry, which are not certified as bona fide dealers and sell unregistered vehicles without any trade certificates or after-sales services.
