Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has inaugurated its 100th Green Workshop, signalling a major commitment to sustainable aftersales service. The milestone facility, located at Bright Kia in Kanpur, follows the first Green Workshop launched in Rohtak in 2023.

The company's Green Workshop initiative is a key part of its environmental efforts and aims to expand the network to over 150 workshops by 2026.

Kia's Green Workshops are fitted with advanced sustainability measures, including rainwater harvesting, natural lighting and motion-sensor systems for greater energy efficiency. They also utilise effluent treatment plants, steam wash systems to cut water usage and waterless urinals.

Crucially, the 100 workshops collectively generate 7.9 MW of solar power. This renewable energy capacity allows Kia India to prevent nearly 9,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year, which the company states is equivalent to the absorption power of 450,000 mature trees. Kia has also implemented a comprehensive recycling programme for automotive waste such as used batteries and oil.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “Achieving the milestone of 100 Green Workshops within a short span of two years underscores Kia India’s commitment to building a sustainable mobility ecosystem. Each workshop brings us closer to a world where progress doesn’t come at the planet’s cost. This initiative, alongside our portfolio of three EVs, is a significant reflection of our continued efforts to reduce environmental impact, enhance operational efficiency, and shape a cleaner, smarter mobility for our future generations.”

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Delhi-NCR-based CarXpert, a multi-brand car service network, is set to expand its footprint into the western Indian market, with a primary focus on Gujarat. The move aims to upgrade local, independent garages into professional service centres by providing them with modern tools, training and brand recognition.

The company's business model is designed to help local mechanics professionalise their operations. CarXpert provides standardised processes, diagnostic technology and skill development programs, allowing garages to offer more reliable service and build long-term customer trust.

Rachit Dhawan, Head of Department at CarXpert, said, “We are happy to announce our expansion plans to other parts of India. Gujarat is one of the growing markets for job creation. Many of these workshops operate without modern tools, standardised systems, or access to training. We are working to change this by giving these workshops an opportunity to become part of an organised, trusted network.”

With over 50 centres already operational in locations across northern India, the company's expansion into Gujarat will cater to the state's growing number of vehicle owners.

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Manav Kapur, Director of Steelbird International, an automotive component supplier, has been appointed Chairman of the Aftermarket pillar of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA).

Kapur takes on this new responsibility after completing his tenure as Chairman of ACMA’s Young Business Leaders Forum (YBLF), where he was leading initiatives to strengthen industry engagement and build future leadership. Akhilesh Rai, Director, Suprajit Engineering, has succeeded Kapur as Chairman of YBLF.

“The Indian aftermarket is at an inflection point. With rising vehicle ownership, a growing focus on safety, and India’s expanding role in global mobility value chains, there is a tremendous opportunity to transform this sector. Our priority will be to drive initiatives that not only make India self-reliant but also position our aftermarket industry as a trusted global partner,” said Kapur.

The announcement comes alongside the appointment of Vikrampati Singhania, Managing Director, JK Fenner (India), as the new President of ACMA for 2025–26 and Sriram Viji, Managing Director, Brakes India, as President Designate.

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Tier 1 supplier Uno Minda has introduced its new line of car care products designed for the booming Indian automotive aftermarket. This strategic move responds to the increasing demand from Indian consumers for high-quality, DIY maintenance solutions for their vehicles.

The Indian car care market is expanding rapidly, fuelled by a growing number of vehicle owners with higher disposable incomes who are focused on maintaining the appearance and resale value of their cars. Consumers are also increasingly aware of the need for products that can protect their vehicles from India's diverse climate, from harsh monsoon rains to scorching summer heat.

The new product line from Uno Minda offers a wide variety of solutions for both interior and exterior car maintenance. The lineup includes a Car Exterior Wash Shampoo, a Waterless Wash for quick clean-ups and a Car Exterior Polish to give a radiant shine.

For interior care, the products include an Anti-Bacterial Interior Foam and Car AC Vent Hygiene Foam with silver nano technology to ensure a clean cabin. The range also features a Glass Anti-Fog Spray and a Windshield Cleaner Foam to improve visibility and safety during adverse weather conditions.

Karna Markan, Head of Sales & Distribution (Accessories) at Uno Minda, “Our entry into the Auto Care segment reflects Uno Minda's commitment to advancing alongside our customers. With the automotive care sector growing rapidly and consumers increasingly prioritising vehicle maintenance, there is a growing demand for trusted brands. The new car care line offers features for both internal and external applications. Internally, the Anti Fog Demister ensures windshields and windows remain clear of fog and mist, promoting safe driving in adverse weather and reducing eye fatigue. A highly effective foam cleaner removes dirt, grime, bugs, road residue and contaminants from car windshields, enhancing visibility and safety. Externally, the line includes a thorough car wash that gently cleans and restores the vehicle's paint, leaving it brilliantly gleaming and protected with a radiant gloss. These products are formulated with wash-active agents to effectively eliminate road debris, dust, oily residues and greasy contaminants without a trace, ensuring vehicles maintain their pristine appearance and durability."

The products are formulated with ‘wash-active agents’ to effectively remove road debris, dust and oily residues without damaging the vehicle's finish. They are also designed to be easy for consumers to use at home.

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AutoDukan, a digital aftermarket platform, has announced that it has secured USD 1 million in a pre-Series A funding round to expand its AI-driven services across the country.

The startup, which specialises in spare parts procurement, insurance claim processing and multi-brand workshop enablement, plans to use the new capital to scale its operations, enhance its AI technology and deepen its partnerships with insurers, fleet operators and OEM suppliers.

The funding round was led by the Choice Group and a number of high-net-worth individuals, with continued support from MetroMax Group's Indian arm and angel investor Ankit Sajnani. This latest investment follows earlier funding rounds backed by Rohit Goyal, Windrose Capital and NRI investor Raghu Venkatraman.

Gunjan Ruparelia, Co-Founder and CEO, AutoDukan, said, “Our latest investment validates our AI-first approach to solving a deeply fragmented market. We’re not just digitising procurement, we are building an intelligent backbone for the automotive repair and insurance ecosystem.”

Sumit Desai, CTO, said, “AI allows us to anticipate demand and match parts instantly. This funding helps us bring that efficiency to India’s largest automotive regions.”

Pranay Tagare, COO, said, “We’re driving data-driven precision into a traditionally manual industry. AutoDukan’s AI platform delivers speed, transparency and trust at scale.”

“We are excited to lead AutoDukan’s Pre-Series A round. The company’s AI-driven approach addresses real inefficiencies in India’s automobile aftermarket, and we are confident it will transform spare part procurement and insurance claim workflows nationwide.” said Choice Group.

AutoDukan claimed it achieved a 10x growth over the last two years, attributing its success to its AI platform, which provides data-driven precision, speed and transparency. The platform was first adopted by one of India's largest insurance players, demonstrating its potential to transform the nation’s automobile aftermarket.

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