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)

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Shell Lubricants India has launched three new lubricant products, developed using technology, to serve customer needs across passenger cars, two-wheelers and pickup trucks. The new products reinforce Shell’s commitment to technical excellence.

The new products include:

• Shell Spirax S4 GX 75W90: This product is the only Shell Branded product globally in this viscosity and is India’s first Shell Branded synthetic gear oil under the Spirax category. It is designed for manual transmissions in passenger cars and LCVs. The company claims that it provides gearbox protection, smoother gear shifts and cost savings. It is approved under API GL-4 and ZF-TE-ML-08 standards and is compatible with OEMs including Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors. It comes in 1L (INR 540) and 2.5L (INR 1300) packaging.
• Shell Advance AX6 5W30: Targeted at the growing BS VI scooter market, this oil provides 360-degree protection for daily commuters. Formulated with synthetic technology, it offers performance under urban conditions, including traffic and frequent stop-start riding. The 600 ml bottle is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, is priced at INR 355 and is available nationwide.
• Shell Rimula Pick-Up: This is an engine oil crafted and tested specifically for pickup trucks navigating city traffic, offering performance and extended drain intervals. The range is available for both BS IV and BS VI engines in 5L and 7L packaging, launched nationwide.

Shell Lubricants recently launched the new Shell Helix Ultra, engineered to deliver performance and protection. It uses Shell’s PurePlus Technology – which converts natural gas into 99.5 percent pure base oil – to offer up to 1.8 percent more engine power, 3.4 percent improved responsiveness and 100 percent engine power retention.

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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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