Automobile industry body SIAM is seeking two tax rates for passenger vehicles (PVs) under the GST regime instead of multiple rates levied currently, as part of its wish list for the upcoming budget. The industry body has also sought from the FM Arun Jaitley a special tax rate of 12 per cent for electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles. “The automotive industry has been suggesting two rates for cars in place of multiple tax rates, and requests the Govt to keep only two rates for vehicles under the GST regime,” SIAM said in its suggestions for the Union Budget 2018-19. Currently, under the GST regime, small petrol cars with engine capacity less than 1200cc attract 1 per cent cess, while diesel cars with engine capacity of less than 1500cc attract 3 per cent cess, on top of the 28 per cent tax. Similarly, cess on hybrid cars, including mid, large and SUVs, remains at 15 per cent, likewise those vehicles used for transport of not more than 13 passengers.