Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced the commercial launch of its first-ever quick-service format, ‘Skoda Express Care’, which aims to further boost its domestic brand equity.

The inaugural facility was opened at Kun Motor Enterprises in Perungudi on OMR Road, Chennai. Operating as a specialised tier under the umbrella of the Skoda Super Care program, the concept is engineered to shorten vehicle turnaround times for routine maintenance without compromising factory service protocols.

The inauguration scales Skoda’s footprint in Tamil Nadu to 31 customer touchpoints across 14 cities, contributing to a wider nationwide service network that now numbers over 335 touchpoints across 185 cities.

The new facility occupies a 27,900 square foot footprint and features 16 mechanical service bays. Rather than operating via traditional workshop scheduling, the Express Care centre relies on a highly synchronised, high-throughput assembly line approach to routine check-ups.

The quick-turnaround framework is driven by four integrated operational changes – digital check-in architecture, parts pre-kitting, parallel service execution and eligibility parameters.

The Express Care rollout serves as a physical touchpoint extension for the brand's long-term Skoda Super Care program, which includes a standard four-year manufacturer warranty, four years of roadside assistance and four labour-free scheduled services. By optimising workshop space efficiency and vehicle throughput metrics, the company aims to improve dealer profitability while lowering the total cost of ownership friction for retail buyers in critical Southern Indian markets.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “2026 has been a year of strengthening our connection with customers through a focused product offensive, customer-first initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to delivering greater value throughout the ownership journey. The inauguration of our first Express Care facility in Chennai is a natural extension of that philosophy. Introduced under the Skoda Super Care programme, which offers customers four years of standard warranty, four years of roadside assistance and four labour-free services, Skoda Express Care further strengthens our commitment to delivering greater convenience and peace of mind. As we continue to expand our network and get closer to customers, Chennai and Tamil Nadu remain important markets for us, and through this new facility and our growing network, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing customers with the highest standards of care and support.”

Arun Uppuswamy, Dealer Principal, Kun Motor Enterprises, added, “Kun Motor Enterprises shares a long-standing and successful partnership with Skoda Auto India, with multiple sales and aftersales Touchpoints serving customers across Tamil Nadu. We are proud to further strengthen this association by launching Skoda Auto’s first-ever Express Care facility in the country. This new facility reinforces Skoda Auto’s commitment to delivering an enhanced ownership experience through efficient processes, skilled manpower, and high-quality service standards.”

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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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