MT Bureau
Rico Auto Industries Limited, the aftermarket division of the leading integrated supplier of automotive components and assemblies, has introduced a new spoof-proof packaging to contain spurious parts. The company that is involved right from design and development in making dies and moulds, manufactures automotive components in ferrous and aluminium machined castings. In 2017 it entered the aftermarket. Spurious products with almost look alike packaging are costing companies a great deal of money and goodwill.
“We have developed a brand new packaging with a phylogenic effect on the whole box but not on the product. Once the box is opened the consumer can ask the retailer to prove the authenticity by putting a screen on the open Lid of the box. Before retailers use to refuse to open the box as there is a barcode on each box that gets distorted by opening the box, but now there are several measures on the box itself to prove the originality of the product,” Abhishek Kulshrestha, Vice President, Rico Auto Industries, said.
After the introduction of GST in July 2017 Rico was confident about a fair playing field and introduced nine new products. Sales increased from INR 100 million to INR 250 million in about 18 months. The company hopes to close 2019-20 fiscal year at around INR 400-500 million despite the slowdown. On the reason that compelled Rico to go for such a packaging he said, “Our market research made us realize that there are many spurious products in the market with the same brand name; this led us to develop a new spoof-proof packaging for our products.”
“We have a policy of launching new product every quarter either for two-wheelers, three-Wheelers or four-wheelers. This quarter we are launching paper plate & paper clutch assemblies for two-wheelers, next quarter we will be launching a product for four-wheelers and till next FY we are also planning to launch a few products for the commercial vehicles market as well. This modus operandi of launching a new product every quarter has added well to our inventory. As of today we have over 500 products for two-wheelers, 100-plus products for four-wheelers, and over 75 products for three-wheelers,” he said.
Rico will be conducting awareness campaigns throughout the country among the mechanics and distributors. Earlier there were hardly any safety features on the box to differentiate between spurious and original products. “Now there are phylogenic effects on the box, newly developed design screen recognition method and on top of it we have developed an all-new QR code method to safeguard the interest of distributors as well. This gives confidence to our distributors in being the only distributor of ‘Original’ Rico products in their territory,” Kulshrestha said.
Rico is optimistic about the increasing share in the components aftermarket estimated to grow to INR 800 billion by 2025. “This growing aftermarket will help our market share as well. We are growing every year and we expect to reach a turnover of INR 1 billion by the next financial year,” he said.
About the short term and long term plans of Rico, Kulshrestha said, “Our short-term plan is to grow gradually in the market and explore new ideas to increase our sales. We are already running a boost initiative programme for our distributors to encourage them. The response is overwhelming even in the phase of an economic slowdown, if we talk about a long-term plan the vision is as clean as a windscreen, we tend to take Rico Auto Industry - After Market division to the new heights and on a successful path of becoming the pioneers in the industry.” (MT)
Uno Minda Launches Multi-Channel Car Dash Cam DVRs
- By MT Bureau
- October 30, 2025
Tier 1 automotive supplier Uno Minda has launched its next-generation 2-Way and 3-Way Car Dash Cam DVRs in the Indian aftermarket. The launch meets the growing demand for in-car safety technology and reliable evidence in the event of accidents.
The new DVRs offer multi-channel recording with up to 4K Ultra HD resolution, aiming to provide smarter and safer driving experiences for consumers.
The new dash cams feature advanced capabilities for comprehensive road coverage:
The two new Car Dash Cam DVR models feature a Gravity Sensor that automatically locks footage during impacts. The top-tier 3-Way Car Dash Cam DVR, available for INR 14,999 (including a one-year warranty), offers Triple Channel Recording with up to 4K/2K Ultra HD for the front camera and 1K resolution for both the in-cabin and rear cameras for all-round coverage, alongside a 120degree–140degree Wide Field of View to minimise blind spots. In contrast, the 2-Way Car Dash Cam DVR, priced at INR 12,999, provides Dual Channel Recording with 4K Ultra HD from the front and 1K from the rear camera for journey coverage, and features a 160-degree Wide-Angle Lens that captures a broader view of the road.
Karna Markan, Head – Sales & Distribution (Accessories), Uno Minda (Aftermarket), said, “At Uno Minda, our mission is to bring advanced automotive technology into the hands of everyday consumers, making driving safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable. These advanced DVRs are designed to offer multi-channel recording with upto 4K Ultra HD resolution, view recorded videos wirelessly on mobile phone, and advanced safety features, ensuring a smarter and safer driving experience. These products represent a significant step forward in providing consumers with reliable and easy-to-use aftermarket solutions that enhance both safety and driving confidence.”
- Meta Materials Circular Markets
- MMCM
- ELVs
- Tata Re.Wi.Re
- Mahindra CERO
- Nitin Chitkara
- Yashodhan Ramteke
MMCM Launches India’s First End-of-Life Vehicle Carbon Credits
- By MT Bureau
- October 29, 2025
Meta Materials Circular Markets (MMCM), a circular economy solutions platform, has announced the launch of India’s first circularity-linked carbon credits from End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). The company expects the project to achieve 2 million tonnes of CO2 savings by the end of the decade.
Under the Cercarbono standard, MMCM said it has introduced a global solution by integrating circular economy principles into carbon markets. This establishes a verifiable mechanism that links carbon reduction with material recovery.
The credits are expected to see demand, positioning India as a supplier of high-integrity, circularity-linked carbon assets. The project has the potential to unlock INR 10 billion in climate finance for the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) ecosystem.
MMCM has partnered with over 20 RVSFs nationwide, including Tata Re.Wi.Re and Mahindra CERO.
For every one tonne of ELV responsibly scrapped and recycled, approximately 0.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions are saved. These credits not only capture avoided emissions but also the recovery of materials such as steel, aluminium and plastics, which are reintroduced into manufacturing cycles. This creates a dual advantage for India Inc – credible Scope 3 emissions offsets and the development of low-carbon supply chains.
Nitin Chitkara, CEO, MMCM, said, “Circularity-linked carbon credits open a new paradigm where India can decarbonise while simultaneously creating value from recycling. This model not only supports India’s net zero ambitions but also strengthens industrial ecosystems with sustainable resource recovery. As COP30 nears, India is ready to showcase carbon innovation with global impact.”
Yashodhan Ramteke, Head of Carbon BU, MMCM, added, “By quantifying and trading ELV-linked carbon credits, we are demonstrating how emission savings and circularity can work together, setting the stage for India to become a leader in next-generation carbon finance.”
The initiative aims to reimagine ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy by turning automotive waste into an economic opportunity, strengthening industrial supply chains and accelerating progress on the Net Zero pathway.
Ola Electric Opens Its Hyperservice Platform For Spare Parts
- By MT Bureau
- October 27, 2025
Ola Electric has scaled up its Hyperservice into an open platform, making its proprietary service infrastructure and technology available to the wider industry. This move, the company said, will extend access to genuine spare parts, diagnostic tools and service training modules to independent garages, mechanics and fleet operators across India.
Starting now, genuine Ola Electric spare parts can be purchased directly through the Ola Electric Customer App and website. The company aims for this to mark a new era of service freedom for its customers, allowing them to choose where and how to service their vehicles.
In the initial phase, key spare parts are available, with subsequent phases during the quarter planned to extend access to diagnostic tools and technician certification programmes.
The company states that its Hyperservice scale-up will further strengthen its unit economics by expanding its high-margin parts and accessories vertical, which scales organically with its customer base. By opening access, Ola Electric aims to drive higher volumes through its supply chain, creating a scalable and profitable model.
Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, Ola Electric, said, “We have built our service ecosystem from first principles, using technology to make it fast, transparent and efficient. With Hyperservice scale-up, we are opening this capability to everyone. Every garage, fleet, and customer can now access the same high-quality tools, parts, and systems that power Ola’s own network. Genuine parts, full transparency and no middlemen. This is true service freedom, only possible in a D2C model.”
The initiative is also designed to create an opportunity for India’s garage ecosystem, allowing mechanics to self-train and become Ola-certified on EV technologies, potentially creating new income streams and skilled EV technicians nationwide.
Shriram Automall Clocks INR 1 Billion Business In Single-Day Diwali Auction
- By MT Bureau
- October 27, 2025
Shriram Automall India (SAMIL), one of the leading platforms for pre-owned vehicles and equipment, generated business worth over INR 1 billion during its Diwali Auction 2025. This result was achieved across more than 135 live auctions conducted nationwide, despite recent price cuts on new vehicles under the new GST rates.
The company said over 11,000 pre-owned vehicles and equipment were transacted from various sellers, including NBFCs, Banks, OEMs and insurance firms. Approximately 13,000 buyers participated in the auction across the country.
The auction was powered by SAMIL’s 'Phygital' model, which seamlessly integrated live, on-ground auctions at Automalls with real-time digital bidding via the MySAMIL App and its website.
Sameer Malhotra, Director and CEO, Shriram Automall India, said, "The SAMIL Auction 2025 was a celebration of India’s entrepreneurial spirit and the power of its festive joy. Hosting 135 auctions simultaneously and achieving over INR 1 billion in transactions in a single day is not just a milestone; it’s a testament to trust, technology, and teamwork. Our auction model, AI-powered bidding, and real-time dashboards have redefined how Indians buy and sell pre-owned assets.”
As part of its corporate social responsibility, SAMIL awarded Junior Einstein Scholarships to children of individuals from the automotive industry. Additionally, the company conducted tree plantation drives at every auction location to support environmental sustainability.
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