Advik Hi-Tech Unveils 2025 Roadmap At Auto Expo 2023

New Renault Master Wins 2025 International Van of The Year Award

Advik Hi-Tech (Advik), a global tier 1 auto component supplier, unveiled an expansive portfolio of its latest technology solutions spanning across ICE, Electric Vehicles, CNG and hydrogen fuel segments, at the 16th edition of the Auto Expo – Components 2023, today, in Delhi, India. The Advik Hi-Tech Pavilion can be visited at Stand No 4.62 in Hall No 4GF of the Auto Expo, Pragati Maidan, from 12-15 January, 2023.

The company outlined its growth strategy for 2025 to double its growth in the next three years. It claims that it has earmarked a Capex of about INR five billion to meet its expansion requirements for product and capacity development over the next three years.

Some of the new products unveiled at the Expo by Advik include – 

Latest ICE product showcase: Next generation of oil pumps, water pumps and vacuum pumps. According to Advik, these products help meet the Euro 6 emission norms and will bolster the company’s strong ICE portfolio globally, further. Also on display are the new generation EGR valve, solenoid purge valve and solenoid air secondary valve. Advik states that these products will not only further reduce CO2 and particulate matter emissions but also improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles.

The company also announced the launch of new electric oil pumps and electric water pumps with three-way and four-way control valves for improved thermal management and lubrication for ICE and electric vehicles. This also includes an electric vacuum pump to aid braking in passenger cars and commercial vehicles in collaboration with Entecnia, Spain, as per Advik.

Launch of the latest generation hydraulic CBS disc braking system and mechanical CBS drum brake system: These will cater to the growing electric vehicle two-wheeler market in India.

CNG regulators: In the alternative fuel segment, Advik showcased the latest CNG regulators developed in collaboration with Nikki Co Ltd of Japan, for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, including the entire CNG system comprising CNG Electronic Control Units (ECU), injectors, filling valves and tank valves. Advik claims that with Nikki’s established technology and Advik’s manufacturing capabilities, the CNG regulators will cater to the passenger cars, commercial vehicles, industrial forklifts and stationary generator markets.

Hydrogen fuel cell power generators: While in the hydrogen fuel segment, Advik and H2X Global, Ltd (the Australian vehicle and powered products manufacturer) introduced their patented hydrogen fuel cell power generators to help advance the hydrogen projects in India and global markets, with the initial focus on the truck, bus and light commercial vehicles and stationary generator set markets.

Building on the strong expertise of Advik in technology component development and the global experience of H2X, with over 22 million kilometres of distance covered by vehicles with their hydrogen systems to date, the joint venture will further expand their footprint in the European and Asian markets, according to Advik. Production is expected to commence by the middle of 2023, and the products will be marketed under the H2X brand.

Advik states that the collaboration will also undertake the application of methanol fuel cells, providing another clean alternative to hydrogen in certain products, ensuring full capacity utilisation of the fuel cell division of the company.

Both the above launches in both the CNG and hydrogen fuel cell segment will help to forward Advik’s vision to create an innovative and sustainable ecosystem of technologies and services for reducing emissions, thus helping to expand the adoption of more green and clean technologies for the future. 

Speaking on the occasion, Aditya Bhartia, Managing Director, Advik Group of Companies, said, “Our technology showcase at the expo is the next step on our vision of becoming a leading solutions provider for the evolving multi-fuel market, both in India and globally. With all our products being manufactured in India, it underlines our responsibility to drive the industry and further the Government of India’s mandate for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. With Advik being selected for PLI, it is a testament to our commitment to adopt and indigenise leading global technologies for the Indian market. For example, the CNG regulator and electric vacuum pump are part of Advik’s approved PLI, and it will cater to OEM demand, both in India and international markets.”

Brendan Norman, CEO, H2X, who joined Advik for the exhibition, said, “The opportunity to expand our company using India, a trusted partner recently recognised by the Australia-India Free Trade Pact, and a world leader in technological advancement, together with Advik Hi-Tech, which is a company over the past 24 months we have seen offer top of the world quality and precision, and acts with total grace and class, is an amazing chance for us to grow our business strongly into the future. Through the course of the exhibition, we have met with several OEMs and have seen significant interest in the hydrogen space and the cooperation with Advik, and we see a number of opportunities to work together with these.”

As per Advik, the company is also aiming to become an end-to-end systems solution provider with a comprehensive portfolio of complete hydraulic disc braking systems, mechanical drum brake systems, thermal management systems, CNG fuel systems and hydrogen fuel cell systems to cater to both, domestic and global demand.

Schaeffler India Launches Fourth Edition Of Social Innovator Fellowship Program

Schaeffler Hope

Schaeffler India has launched the fourth edition of its Social Innovator Fellowship Program under its CSR initiative, HOPE. The programme aims to support young innovators aged 18 to 35 who are working on scalable solutions to address environmental and societal challenges.

Ten selected fellows will receive a grant of INR 175,000 each and participate in a 24-week hybrid mentorship programme at IIMA Ventures. The fellowship includes access to Schaeffler India’s innovation network and resources to help scale their projects.

Applications are open to individuals, groups, institutions and both for-profit and non-profit organisations across India. The focus areas include environmental sustainability, renewable energy, carbon neutrality, circular economy, natural resource management and the use of technology in the social sector. Applicants must present a working prototype, a clear target audience and a roadmap for growth and viability.

A multi-stage selection process, including interviews and a final pitch, will be conducted by a jury comprising Schaeffler India leadership and India Accelerator experts.

Harsha Kadam, Managing Director & CEO, Schaeffler India, said, “At Schaeffler India, we truly believe in innovation and development, and we have been investing in inclusive and sustainable programs. Through structured initiatives such as HOPE, we aim to empower and nurture visionary young innovators with a pioneering spirit who are developing technology-driven solutions for social sectors and environmental issues, making a meaningful difference through their unique approaches. Schaeffler aims to be both an enabler and catalyst in solving these issues, affirming its belief in innovation as a force for equitable progress”.

Shibi Mathew, Head of HR and CSR, added, “We are deeply committed to advancing the meaningful progress of our communities. We proudly announce the launch of the Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship Program for 2025, with the primary aim of harnessing and supporting the pioneering spirit of young and passionate innovators across India. This program offers a remarkable opportunity for talented individuals to bring improvements to social and ecological issues through their innovative solutions. We eagerly await the participation of outstanding leaders who will demonstrate a strong commitment to developing transformative solutions, resulting in more resilient systems, empowered communities, and positively impacted lives.”

Uno Minda Launches Advanced LED Indicators For Motorcycles

UNO Minda LED

Tier 1 supplier Uno Minda has introduced its new range of advanced LED indicators for motorcycles in the Indian aftermarket at INR 1,137. These innovative blinkers aim to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and on-road safety for riders.

Designed to complement traditional motorcycles, the new LED indicators promise straightforward installation, improved visibility and enhanced durability. Uno Minda highlights their high-visibility lighting, which significantly boosts safety in low-light and busy traffic conditions. The indicators also boast an IP67 rating, making them waterproof and dustproof, capable of withstanding various weather and road conditions.

Anand Kumar, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Aftermarket Domain, Uno Minda, said, “At Uno Minda, we are committed to delivering solutions which help the modern motorcycle rider. Our new LED blinkers for Royal motorcycles offer superior safety, durability, and aesthetics, ensuring riders experience the best in performance and reliability. This launch is part of our ‘Driving the New Technology’ initiative, under which we aim to consistently introduce innovative, performance-driven products to the Indian aftermarket. With an IP67 rating, these LED blinkers are built to endure even the toughest weather conditions. Waterproof and dustproof, they are designed to function reliably in rain, snow, or dust, ensuring long-term durability and performance, regardless of the environment. The LED blinkers are designed with a sleek, unique look that effortlessly enhances the iconic Royal Motorcycles style and serves as a perfect aesthetic and functional upgrade, as these blinkers significantly improve rider safety by increasing visibility in low-light and high-traffic conditions, reducing the risk of accidents.”

Maruti Suzuki India Expands Service Network To 5,500, To Add 500 More By March 2026

Maruti Suzuki India

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has further strengthened its aftersales network with the inauguration of its 5,500th service touchpoint in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Interestingly, in FY2025, the company serviced over 27 million vehicles, and with the new facility, it now has around 40,000 service bays across the country. Furthermore, Maruti Suzuki India aims to add around 500 more service touchpoints in FY2026.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “One of the key factors most customers consider when purchasing a new car is the availability of a proximate and convenient service workshop, one that offers genuine and reliable service at a reasonable price, giving them total peace of mind. To meet this need, we have been able to establish 5,500 service touchpoints across 2,764 cities, with the help of our dealer partners. In FY 2024-25, we added 460 new service touchpoints, which is more than one every single day. We plan to continue these efforts and aim to add around 500 new service touchpoints during this financial year, of which we have already set up 91 touchpoints.”

 

Steelbird SXE Helmet With TPE Energy Absorber Tech Launched At INR 3,599

Steelbird SXE

Steelbird Helmets, one of the largest two-wheeler helmet manufacturers, has launched the SXE helmet at INR 3,599.

The SXE, the company claims, is India’s first motorcycle helmet equipped with advanced impact protection technology featuring a tough, high-impact ABS shell reinforced with advanced fibre composites, coupled with a Black EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner and a shock-absorbing TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) layer.

This advanced multi-layered liner system the company shared efficiently controls both linear and rotational forces during crashes, offering superior protection and enhanced rider safety.

It is said to reduce rotational impact forces by around 20 percent as the SXE helmet is said to be specially designed for enhanced impact management and to ensure efficient energy distribution during high-speed collisions, significantly reducing peak head acceleration and minimising the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

The SXE is BIS IS 4151:2015 and DOT FMVSS 218 (Department of Transportation, USA) certified .

Steelbird Helmets stated that it is engineered for peak performance, safety and style, featuring a sleek aerodynamic shell that minimises wind resistance, reduces rider fatigue and ensures a comfortable experience during high-speed and extended journeys. Precision airflow ventilation with multiple intake and exhaust vents delivers optimal climate control, while sound insulation reduces wind and road noise for enhanced comfort. Inside, its breathable, hypoallergenic fabric padding and thermoformed structure offer hygienic, lasting comfort, with mesh zones managing sweat and heat. Reflective fabric inserts, including a prominent neck strip, improve night-time visibility and a micrometric buckle provides quick, secure fastening.

Adding to its versatility, the SXE boasts a dual visor setup with a scratch-resistant clear visor and an additional smoke visor for changing light conditions, alongside an inner sun shield for instant protection from glare. The Pinlock-ready visor guarantees clear, fog-free vision in all environments. A signature Eco-dome technology logo elevates the helmet’s premium look. The helmet is available in over 13 colour choices in painted and dynamic decal versions, and sizes from S (560) to XL (620).