Before any new model hits the Indian car market, it has to pass the various tests from the engine building to crash tests as the standards set by National Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (Natrip). The Natrip has two main testing centres, one is the ARAI in Pune and iCAT in Manesar.

It will be simply illogical to undergo these tests if the design and stats don’t seem good on paper. Initially, the manufacturers had to submit a hard copy of their various designs. The copies normally have about 4-digit number of pages, due to which the Natrip takes about 3 months to complete the paper work. Now, the manufacturers can submit a soft copy, this isn’t just simpler but it also reduces the time to approve to a less thana couple of months.

What’s more? Cars built on similar platform won’t have to submit the details of the common parts. Like the Honda City and the Jazz are built on the same platform. The Maruti Suzuki Ritz, the Honda Jazz and the Corolla Altis Sport are cars which were approved in this fashion.