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)
Schaeffler India Launches Fourth Edition Of Social Innovator Fellowship Program
- By MT Bureau
- July 31, 2025
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
- By MT Bureau
- July 28, 2025
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
- By MT Bureau
- July 21, 2025
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
- By MT Bureau
- July 21, 2025
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).
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