RK Behera, Chairman, RSB Group (that provides automotive products and services, and is headquartered in Pune, India) and also alumnus of National Institute of Technology, graced the 12^th Convocation 2022 of National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur as Guest of Honour. According to RSB, Behera was felicitated at the occasion, along with PC Panigrahy, from the first batch of 1960-64, as distinguished alumni.

The convocation was attended by industry dignitaries and academicians, where Behera delivered an inspirational address to the graduate students, on the importance of embarking on start-ups and chartering the innovative entrepreneurial journey, keeping focus on employment opportunities for the common man and serving the society at large, besides continual research and development, twined with latest technology to sustain, carving a niche in the global arena, and contributing to the quest for industrial growth of the country.

As an alumnus of NIT, Behera said that RSB Group will contribute 50 percent of total cost of Incubation and Innovation Centre to boost budding start-ups. He added that IIC should collaborate with NML, XLRI and RIT to make it effective and impactful for the society at large.

Speaking further on the occasion, he quoted his own live example of a start-up entrepreneurial venture way back in 1975 in Jamshedpur, after graduating from NIT, with a government subsidy of INR 20,000, to start a venture by technocrats and journeying through rough terrains of volatile business swings, withstanding trials/tribulations with patience and perseverance, and building RSB Group into what it is today, with 11 plants in India and two overseas.

Gulf Oil Lubricants India, part of the Hinduja Group, has inked a strategic partnership with Nayara Energy, a leading private fuel retailer and an integrated downstream company in the country.

As per the understanding, Nayara Energy will make available Gulf Oil’s entire automotive product range, including lubricants for two-wheelers, passenger cars, commercial vehicles and agriculture-related vehicles, at its network of over 6,500 fuel retail outlets.

The association is part of a three-year contract will also see Gulf Oil make available its AdBlue and two-wheeler batteries among others at Nayara’s network.

Ravi Chawla, MD and CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India, said, “Our partnership with Nayara Energy is a significant step forward in expanding Gulf’s presence across India’s highways and fuel stations. As a globally recognised brand, Gulf has consistently set benchmarks in delivering high-quality and innovative automotive solutions. Our partnerships with iconic global and domestic brands like Manchester United, McLaren, MS Dhoni, and Chennai Super Kings have cemented our position as a trusted name worldwide. With the support of Nayara’s vast network and expertise in fuel retailing, we are well-positioned to serve a wide range of consumers with high-quality, dependable automotive solutions. This collaboration underscores the growing demand for quality automotive products and lubricants owing to the burgeoning infrastructure growth and both Gulf’s and Nayara Energy’s commitment to making our products accessible, ensuring that our customers receive quality lubrication solutions wherever they are in India.”

Madhur Taneja, Chief Marketing Officer, Nayara Energy, added, “At Nayara Energy, we believe that customer centricity is at the core of creating a distinctive service experience across our expansive retail network. This latest tie-up with Gulf Oil is another affirmative step to enhance our range of automotive product offerings that enable in delivering high quality performance for motorists. Together, these two power brands can leverage synergies that will enable in amplifying reach and ensure ease of availability of premium product experience for consumers across rapidly growing tier 2,3 markets and prominent highways. Lubes are an essential category in our NFR (Non-Fuel Retail) offerings and our commitment to grow this category is visible from the Quick Lube Change Bays we have incorporated in our Retail Outlet. These Quick Lube Change bays are equipped with advanced machinery that enables lube change in less than 5 minutes and this service is provided Free of charge at our outlets.”

The 55th Goods & Services Tax (GST) council meeting has decided to increase the GST rate on the sale of pre-owned vehicles to 18 percent from the current 12 percent.

The hike will now also be applicable to electric vehicles margin value, when the transaction happens by registered businesses dealing with used vehicles. But in case an EV is sold by the vehicle owner to another individual there will be no GST applicable.

The hike the government believes will bring parity between used old small cars, EVs with old larger vehicles.

The GST council clarified that the tax will be applicable only on the margin of the seller, and not on the entire value of the car. For instance, if a vehicle is bought for INR 1 million and sold at INR 600,000, the tax will be on the margin value of INR 400,000.

Representational image courtesy: Tom Fisk/Pexels

Tier 1 supplier Schaeffler India has appointed Sharad Bhatia as the new Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS), effective 2 December 2024.

In his new role, he is tasked to lead Schaeffler India’s efforts to strengthen presence in the mobility ecosystem.

Bhatia comes with over 24 years of experience in the automotive parts industry and will be instrumental in expanding Schaeffler India’s VLS business on the back of his deep expertise in aftermarket service parts sector.

Harsha Kadam, MD & CEO, Schaeffler India, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sharad Bhatia to Schaeffler India as Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions. The Vehicle Lifetime Solutions business is an important business division for the strategic growth of Schaeffler in India. His extensive background in the aftermarket business, combined with his experience in multinational markets, aligns well with our strategic goals. Sharad’s leadership will be pivotal in strengthening and enhancing the agility of our VLS business, further reinforcing our commitment to sustainable motion technology solutions in India.”

Sharad Bhatia, added, “I am excited to join Schaeffler India at a time when the automotive industry is rapidly transforming. My focus will be on expanding our aftermarket solutions portfolio by leveraging advanced motion technology to deliver value and innovation. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Schaeffler India to strengthen our Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division and provide our customers with sustainable, reliable, and forward-looking solutions.”

Tier 1 automotive supplier Uno Minda has launched what it claims is India’s first GPT-enabled Android music system - Wtunes-464DN-GPT - in the aftermarket for INR 49,999.

The GPT-enabled infotainment unit has a built-in voice command feature. It also has an inbuilt 360deg camera controller for improved safety, high-definition audio with 208W output, and advanced digital signal processing (DSP). It has a dynamic equalizer that allows personalised audio settings and split-screen functionality for multitasking. The music unit also comes with a microphone, screws, a 4G antenna, and wiring with a SIM card slot.

Rakesh Kher, CEO, Uno Minda Aftermarket Division, said, “Featuring an integrated AI assistant, the Wtunes-464DN-GPT introduces a new level of control and immersion. Unlike traditional desktop setups that rely on typing, this cutting-edge product from Uno Minda incorporates GPT with intelligent voice commands, providing real-time assistance for professionals who require immediate information. This makes it especially beneficial for busy individuals on the go, perfectly exemplifying the concept of infotainment—delivering both information and entertainment effortlessly while traveling. The advanced QLED resolution (2000 x 1200p) provides a sharper, more vivid display, while Digital Signal Processing (DSP) enhances sound quality for clear audio. The capacitive touch panel offers intuitive control, and with a powerful output of 208W (4x52W), you'll feel every beat.”

The infotainment unit offers wireless and wired connections supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also provides support for variety of apps for navigation including Google Maps.