The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex body representing the Indian auto component industry, successfully concluded the 9th edition of its flagship reverse buyers-and-sellers meet, iAutoConnect, held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.

The two-day B2B event brought together global aftermarket distributors, dealers and their Indian counterparts providing component makers a platform to showcase their latest product offerings.

ACMA states that the event brought together 91 domestic exhibitors and over 170 buyers from more than 40 countries, including Africa, ASEAN, Eastern Europe, Latin America, SAARC, and West Asia.

The event was organised with the support of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, the event was inaugurated by Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA & CMD, Subros.

Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA, said, “iAutoConnect has grown into a premier platform for the Indian automotive component industry, offering unparalleled access to international markets. It’s inspiring to witness the strong engagement from both our members and international buyers. We are confident that these interactions will result in fruitful partnerships that further expand the reach of Indian-manufactured components worldwide, supporting the government’s vision of ‘Make in India for the world.”

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STUDDS Accessories, a leading global manufacturer of two-wheeler helmets, has expanded its DC Super-Heroes inspired lineup with the launch of the STUDDS Trooper Legacy Shield Helmet at INR 2,425.

Developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), this new variant introduces a bold Superman-themed graphic identity to the Trooper, one of STUDDS' most popular modular (flip-up) helmets in the Indian market.

The Legacy Shield features a distinctive visual expression built around a three-zone typographic and graphic hierarchy that flows seamlessly across the helmet's outer shell.  The rear shell features a large-format layout of the iconic Superman ‘S’ shield, emblazoned with the ‘SUPERMAN’ wordmark, which also gets ‘GREATEST DEFENDER’ text inscribed on the chin bar.

The collection consists of five colour variants, all built on a sleek, dark base. The Black & White, Black & Grey and Black & Red variants offer varying levels of sharp contrast. Additionally, two premium Metallic Foil options (Teal and Red) use embedded foil instead of standard paint in the graphic zones, creating an intense, reflective light catching finish unique to the material.

The helmet is designed with a full-face flip-up configuration. Riders can easily raise the chin bar for brief stops or face-to-face interactions, or lock it securely down into place to provide the full-coverage protection of a closed full-face helmet. Constructed with a high-impact ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) thermoplastic outer shell and a regulated density EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) inner liner to absorb and distribute impact force. The helmet carries dual certifications, meeting India's BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) under ISI standards as well as the DOT (Department of Transportation, USA) criteria.

It is outfitted with a hypoallergenic inner liner engineered to reduce skin irritation during long commutes. The complete liner padding is entirely replaceable and washable to maintain hygiene across hot and rainy seasons.

The Trooper Legacy Shield Helmet features a quick-release, tool-less visor mechanism using scratch-resistant glass, a removable/replaceable modular lower trim and a quick-release chin strap anchored by a rust-proof stainless-steel buckle. It is coated in a specialised UV-resistant paint finish to protect the graphic decals and metallic foil from cracking, fading, or peeling under prolonged sun exposure.

Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director, STUDDS Accessories, said, “The Trooper Legacy Shield marks a new chapter in interpreting the Superman identity on a helmet. The 'Greatest Defender' identity aligns naturally with what a helmet represents, reflecting its core purpose of protection on every ride. The Trooper has built a strong following in the modular segment in India and this design brings a graphic language to it that riders can genuinely connect with. We expect it to resonate strongly with riders who want their safety gear to make a statement.”

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has established a new corporate benchmark by servicing over 28.4 million vehicles across its domestic network in FY2025–26. This represents the highest annual service load handled by the carmaker since its inception.

The volume throughput was sustained by an expansive retail and aftersales infrastructure consisting of 5,926 service touchpoints across India. To accommodate evolving powertrain architectures and growing volume requirements, Maruti Suzuki India has outlined a long-term network expansion roadmap targeting the establishment of approximately 8,000 active service touchpoints by FY2030–31.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Achieving our highest‑ever annual service load is a significant milestone and reflects the trust customers place in Maruti Suzuki’s after‑sales capabilities. I would also like to thank our channel partners for their continued commitment and tireless efforts, which have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”

“High-quality after-sales service is essential for maintaining vehicle health and ensuring optimal performance throughout its lifecycle. It plays a key role in building long-term customer confidence and strengthening brand loyalty. Since our inception, we have consistently believed that our service footprint should remain ahead of sales. As vehicle technologies advance and customer expectations continue to evolve, we remain committed to expanding our service footprint and introducing innovative service formats to address diverse customer needs more efficiently. By FY 2030-31, we aim to establish about 8,000 service touchpoints,” he added.

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STUDDS Accessories has launched the Helios Effect, a new graphic decal edition of its flagship full-face helmet at INR 3,445. The model joins the existing Helios lineup, which includes the Unicolor, D1 Asphalt, D2 Circuit and Superman Edition variants.

The Helios platform was initially developed for Southeast Asian markets – debuting first in the Philippines, before expanding to Colombia, Mexico and subsequently India. The new ‘Effect’ variant updates the visual design with a hard-edged, polygonal graphic pattern inspired by modern sports car panels and performance motorcycle fairings.

The helmet is constructed from an injection-moulded, high-impact engineering thermoplastic shell paired with an integrated rear aerodynamic spoiler to manage wind resistance. The complete assembly weighs 1,400 grams.

Safety and impact management are handled by a regulated-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) inner liner designed to distribute impact forces across distinct zones. The helmet carries dual safety compliance certification, meeting the Bureau of Indian Standards ISI index (IS 4151) and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS No. 218 standards.

The Helios Effect features a silicone-coated dual-visor system that pairs a clear outer visor with a drop-down, smoked inner sun shield. The outer visor is fitted with an AntiFog100 film designed to prevent condensation for up to 100 seconds. Visor removal and cleaning are handled via a toolless, one-touch quick-release mechanism.

The helmet incorporates a front-to-rear dynamic ventilation network, featuring intake and exhaust ports integrated directly into the shell moulding to maintain uniform airflow.

The interior design includes hypoallergenic lining, cataphote retro-reflective padding, eyeglass EasyFit, speaker pockets and retention system.

The variant is being rolled out across traditional brick-and-mortar dealerships and dedicated STUDDS retail outlets, with online marketplace distribution currently in development. It is available in three sizing options – Medium (57 cm), Large (58 cm) and Extra-Large (60 cm) across matte and gloss treatments.

The product launches with six distinct graphic colour configurations – Black & Chameleon Blue, Black & Red, Black Grey & Red, Black White & Red, Black & Grey and Black Blue & White.

Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director, STUDDS Accessories, said, "The Helios has been an important model for us, both in international markets where it first found its audience and in India where it has built genuine momentum. It was designed for riders who want a full-face helmet that does not compromise on features or protection and that is what it has consistently delivered. The Helios Effect gives that same product a more expressive graphic identity."

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Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Tata Motors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a pilot project for the collection and recycling of used automotive lubricants.

The partnership seeks to establish an organised collection and transport system for used lubricants, which are classified as hazardous waste. Under the agreement, the collected waste oil will be sent to registered facilities for re-refining into base oil. This initiative is designed to support compliance with India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and reduce the environmental hazards associated with improper oil disposal.

The pilot program will be introduced across selected states and will be monitored by a joint committee composed of representatives from both companies. HPCL will manage the aggregation and logistics of the waste oil through its established collection mechanisms. Tata Motors will utilise its network of over 4,500 sales and service touchpoints across the country to collect used lubricants from vehicles during maintenance.

Ch Srinivas, Executive Director of Lubes at HPCL, said, "Achieving true circularity in used oil begins with reintegrating re-refined base oil into finished lubricants. Our collaboration with Tata Motors is a significant step towards building a scalable model for used oil circularity and reducing the carbon footprint across operations."

Vikram Agrawal, Head of Parts and Services, Tata Motors, said, "Used automotive lubricant, if not handled responsibly, can cause long‑term environmental harm. Addressing this challenge calls for credible partners, clear processes and the ability to operate at scale. HPCL has been a trusted partner to Tata Motors across multiple dimensions, and this collaboration allows us to take a meaningful step towards organised and responsible recycling. With the combined strengths of both organisations, we believe this pilot can help establish a robust foundation for wider industry adoption."

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