Ayvens Outlines 2029 Strategic Plan Targeting Fleet Growth And Efficiency Gains
- By MT Bureau
- October 06, 2026
Ayvens, a global sustainable mobility and fleet management company, has announced its 2029 strategic plan, outlining targets for fleet expansion, operational efficiency improvements and service diversification through 2029.
The company projects growth in its funded fleet of at least 3 percent between 2026 and 2029, alongside a target to lower leased fleet carbon dioxide emissions from 101g/km in 2025 to between 75g/km and 85g/km by 2029.
Under the growth pillar of the strategy, Ayvens plans to expand its retail segment fleet by 15 percent over the 2026–2029 period to reach over 900,000 vehicles, up from 780,000 vehicles in 2026.
The light commercial vehicle segment is targeted to grow by 10 percent to exceed 580,000 vehicles by 2029. To support service margin growth, the company aims to increase insurance and damage cover penetration from 53 percent in 2026 to 56 percent in 2029, while expanding its electric vehicle charging solution, Ayvens Power, across 15 countries.
Operational plans target an improvement in the cost-to-income ratio from approximately 53 per cent in 2026 to around 49 percent in 2029. The company intends to achieve a 30 percent efficiency gain across eight core processes in commercial, finance, and operations functions through artificial intelligence automation.
Furthermore, Ayvens plans to reduce net spend on its EUR 2.6 billion service cost base by approximately 2 percent through sourcing adjustments and cost control measures across its 3.1 million vehicle fleet. IT intensity ratio is projected to drop from approximately 15 percent to around 12 percent.
In the used car leasing market, Ayvens projects a 13 percent compound annual growth rate between 2026 and 2029, aiming for a fleet exceeding 100,000 vehicles. Financial guidance for the 2027–2029 period projects earning assets growth of approximately 10 percent between December 2026 and December 2029.
Annual funding targets include retail deposit net collections of EUR 1 billion to EUR 2 billion, securitisation issuances of EUR 1 billion to EUR 2 billion, and bond issuances of EUR 2 billion to EUR 3 billion.
Philippe de Rovira, CEO, Ayvens, said, “I am pleased to share today Ayvens 2029 strategic plan. As the execution of the PowerUP 2026 plan is about to reach its successful conclusion with the integration of ALD and LeasePlan and the delivery of strong financial results, Ayvens will now enter into a new development phase based on resuming profitable growth and putting operational excellence at the heart of all our processes and actions. The execution of this strategic and financial roadmap will lead to strong value creation for all stakeholders and upgraded financial targets, notably a Return on Tangible Equity in the range of 14 percent to 16 percent. I would like to thank our employees for their unwavering commitment and professionalism to better serve our customers every day.”
Steelbird Launches FEC-3 Helmet At INR 4,499 With Triple Safety Certification In India
- By MT Bureau
- November 05, 2026
Steelbird Hi-Tech India, a leading manufacturer of two-wheeler helmet and riding gear, has launched the FEC-3 full-face helmet in India, featuring safety certifications across three international and domestic standards at prices starting INR 4,499.
The FEC-3 holds triple homologation under DOT (FMVSS No. 218), ECE 22.06 and BIS (IS 4151:2015) standards. The outer shell is constructed using a PC-ABS blend material designed to meet global impact criteria.
It features an aerodynamic profile, an integrated inner sun shield operated by a side slider mechanism, and a polycarbonate main visor featuring an anti-scratch coating paired with a Pinlock 30 anti-fog lens.
The helmet comes with a Double D-Ring fastening system, a visor locking mechanism, a quick-release visor system, a wind deflector and a nose protector. The model is produced in three sizes: Medium (580 mm), Large (600 mm) and XL (620 mm).
Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, "Diwali is a celebration of new beginnings, and we wanted to mark this festive season by introducing a product that reflects our continued commitment to rider safety and innovation. With the FEC-3, we are bringing together three important safety certifications, premium features and an aggressive sporty design in a single helmet. Our objective has always been to make advanced safety accessible to riders while ensuring that they do not have to compromise on styling, comfort or quality. We believe the FEC-3 will resonate strongly with today's motorcycle enthusiasts."
Steelbird SBA-20 Helmet Crosses Million Sales Milestone In India
- By MT Bureau
- October 31, 2026
Steelbird Hi-Tech India, one of the leading helmet manufacturers, has announced that its SBA-20 model has achieved cumulative sales exceeding 1 million units since its launch in January 2024.
The SBA-20 features a high-impact thermoplastic outer shell paired with a high-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) liner. Certified under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) safety specification IS 4151:2015, the helmet incorporates a flip-up mechanism, dynamic airflow ventilation, an integrated inner sun shield, a micrometric buckle and a polycarbonate rear spoiler.
It comes with a replaceable and washable interior liner, a wind deflector, reflective neck pads for low-light visibility and an anti-scratch polycarbonate main visor in smoke or chrome options. The model is sold across Steelbird's retail and dealer network in multiple sizes and finishes, with prices ranging between INR 1,869 and INR 2,459 depending on the variant.
Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, "The SBA-20 crossing the 10 lakh sales milestone is an important achievement for us and a reflection of the trust consumers continue to place in Steelbird. Our endeavour has always been to develop helmets that bring together safety, comfort, design and accessibility. The SBA-20 reflects this approach by offering riders a practical and stylish product for their everyday journeys. This milestone encourages us to continue innovating, strengthening our product portfolio and contributing to a stronger culture of helmet use and road safety in India."
SMK Launches Ares Dual-Sport Helmet In India Starting At INR 6,950
- By MT Bureau
- October 30, 2026
SMK Helmets has launched the Ares dual-sport helmet in India, introducing three variants comprising Ares Solid, Ares Claw and Ares Infinity across 18 colour options in gloss and matte finishes at prices starting at INR 6,950.
The helmet utilises an Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic (EIRT) outer shell produced in two shell sizes to match rider head proportions, backed by a multi-density EPS liner. The model meets ECE 22.06, DOT and ISI safety standards.
The Ares dual-sport features include an emergency quick-release system for cheek pads to assist first responders, a detachable sun peak, a main visor with a quick-release mechanism and an integrated internal sun visor.
For the Indian market, the helmet includes a Pinlock 70 lens fitted as standard. Additional specifications consist of an internal switch for the chin vent to accommodate chin-mounted cameras, removable and moisture-wicking inner liners, eyeglass grooves and options for either a double D-ring or stainless-steel quick-release buckle. The helmet weight figures stand at 1,575 grams for sizes XS to M and 1,625 grams for sizes L to XXL.
The Ares Solid is priced at INR 6,950, while the Ares Claw and Ares Infinity graphic variants are priced at INR 7,250. The range is available through SMK's authorised dealer network in sizes ranging from XS to XXL.
Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director & CEO, SMK, said, "We've been receiving enquiries about the Ares almost every day since we first showed it, well before it was ready to sell. Riders today want one helmet that works for the commute and the weekend ride out of the city in tougher terrains, and that's what the Ares is built for. Launching it alongside two new decals, Claw and Infinity, gives riders a real choice from day one, not just a single colour to wait on."
- EDEL ASSURANCE
- EXTENDED VEHICLE WARRANTY
- LUXURY CARS
- PREMIUM AUTOMOTIVE
- VEHICLE PROTECTION
- AUTOMOTIVE AFTERSALES
- MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COVERAGE
- LUXURY CAR OWNERSHIP
- MOTOR INSURANCE
- AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Edel Assurance Offers Long‑term Protection For Mechanical, Electrical Components In Premium Cars
- By MT Bureau
- October 28, 2026
In India’s fast‑growing premium automotive market, owning a luxury vehicle is no longer just about the drive, it’s about safeguarding the engineering excellence behind it. Edel Assurance, a specialist in extended vehicle warranties, has established itself in this critical space by offering long‑term protection for mechanical and electrical components in premium cars once the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Founded a decade ago, Edel Assurance has built its expertise around marquee brands such as BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, Range Rover, Audi, Jaguar and Land Rover. Its extended warranty plans are designed to give owners peace of mind well beyond the standard coverage period, ensuring that sophisticated components are repaired or replaced through authorised manufacturer workshops only.
Unlike motor insurance, which covers accident‑related damages, extended warranties address the everyday risks of component failures, a distinction that becomes vital for luxury vehicles where repair costs can run into lakhs. Edel Assurance offers flexible coverage ranging from three to ten years with policy values tailored to the vehicle category.
Annual plans typically range from INR 100,000–150,000 for entry‑level premium cars to INR 700,000–800,000 for high‑end models with most customers opting for policies in the INR 200,000–300,000 bracket. The cost is positioned in relation to the vehicle’s value and the potential expense of component replacements, while remaining competitive with similar warranty offerings
"When customers purchase a premium vehicle, they are investing in technology, engineering and an ownership experience," said Founder and CEO Sujeet Nair. "Our role is to provide an added layer of assurance once the manufacturer warranty comes to an end. There is also a clear need in the market to understand the difference between insurance and warranty, particularly when it comes to mechanical and electrical failures," he added.
With its nationwide presence and tie‑ups with authorised workshops, Edel Assurance is positioning itself as a trusted partner for India’s luxury car owners. The company is now strengthening its brand visibility and communication efforts to highlight extended warranties as an essential part of long‑term premium vehicle ownership.

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