Under a move that has come as a big relief for auto manufacturers, the government has decided to extend the deadline for the up gradation of the BS-II norms to BS-III for the two-wheeler majors in the 13 major cities. The decision comes as a major relief for Hero Honda, the market leader in the Indian market.

Notably, Hero Honda still sells its best-selling Splendor under BS-II and up gradation from April 1 could have led to a major fall in its sales as the road transport officers were refusing to register the product after March 31.

While the government has given time until July 1 to convert their models to Bharat Stage 3 for sale in 13 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai the other cities have time till October 1 to switch their two-wheelers to BS 3.

The decision has came as a respite for Hero Honda that's ells close to a million units of Splendor in the Indian market, which stands for almost 25% of its total sales.

It is believed that since the BS-III enabled fuel is not available in most of the cities, the Government has arrived on the decision of extending the deadline for the two-wheeler majors.