Shell Lubricants has announced that it has maintained its status as the world's leading supplier of finished lubricants for 19 consecutive years, according to the 23rd edition of the Global Lubricants: Market Analysis and Assessment 2025 report by Kline & Company (Kline).

The report ranks Shell as the number one global lubricants supplier based on finished lubricants sales volumes across automotive and industrial segments worldwide. Shell held a global market share of 11.6 percent, with sales in 2024 split evenly across segments: 37 percent consumer automotive, 32 percent industrial and 31 percent commercial automotive. Shell secured the number one ranking in all three categories: consumer automotive, commercial automotive and industrial.

The Kline report assesses the use of lubricants across end-use industries and emerging market trends such as electric vehicles (EVs) and immersion cooling fluids (ICFs).

Shell attributes its market position to investments in premium and differentiated products, including Shell Helix passenger car motor oil, Shell Rimula truck and heavy-duty engine oils, and Shell Tellus and Shell Gadus for industrial sectors.

In 2025, Shell Helix Ultra upgraded to the latest API SQ specifications, followed by the launch of Shell Advance Ultra with API SP for motorcycles and scooters. The company also renewed its partnership with BMW M Motorsport.

In the industrial sector, Shell introduced DLC Fluid S3, a Direct Liquid Cooling solution for high-performance computing and AI. Shell Lubricants also achieved an industry first when its immersion cooling fluids received Intel certification, enabling their use in data centres worldwide.

Jason Wong, Global Executive Vice-President, Shell Lubricants, said, “At nineteen consecutive years of leadership as the number one global supplier of finished lubricants, we remain focused on the ability of lubricants to power progress across consumer, commercial and industrial applications. Our aim is to become the most customer-focused energy marketer and trader, and we continue to invest in premium, high-efficiency products. These offerings create long- term value in areas where we have market leadership and competitive advantages.”

Sushmita Dutta, Senior Project Manager at Kline, stated, “To maintain the number one position in the global lubricants market for nineteen consecutive years is a remarkable achievement. Our analysis shows that Shell’s success is built on a consistent strategy: investing in technologically advanced, premium products and building lasting relationships with customers across all sectors."

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Tier 1 automotive supplier Uno Minda has launched a new range of tropical and anti-freeze engine coolants for the Indian aftermarket. Engineered to address increasing engine stress caused by fluctuating temperatures and diverse climatic conditions, the new range aims to enhance engine efficiency and service life.

The coolants are developed using Organic Acid Technology (OAT), which provides superior thermal stability and long-lasting protection against rust, corrosion and oxidation. The range is designed for both high- and low-temperature environments, ensuring efficient heat dissipation during extreme summers and preventing freezing in colder climates.

The OAT-based formulation is said to enhance service life and reduces the need for frequent maintenance by preventing scale buildup and corrosion. The tropical variant is optimised for heat management, while the anti-freeze variant ensures smooth operation in sub-zero temperatures. The concentrated design allows for flexible dilution, making it compatible with a wide variety of vehicle makes and models.

The Tropical Coolant is priced at INR 272, while Anti-Freeze Coolant is introduced at INR 575.

Anand Kumar, Business Head, Uno Minda Aftermarket, said, “As vehicles today operate across varied and often demanding conditions, the need for dependable engine protection is more important than ever. Our new coolant is engineered to offer consistent performance, durability, and flexibility, ensuring enhanced engine life and efficiency for our customers.”

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Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia has announced that Automechanika Riyadh will return from 11–13 January 2027 at a new location – the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC).

The strategic shift to January positions the event as the Kingdom’s first major automotive aftermarket gathering of the year, aimed at capturing early-year commercial opportunities and fostering international participation.

The 2027 edition is expected to host more than 500 exhibitors and see over 19,000 visitors. The move comes as Saudi Arabia’s automotive aftermarket is projected to reach USD 9.6 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2 percent. This growth is heavily supported by the infrastructure and mobility goals outlined in Vision 2030.

Key Features of the 2027 Edition

• Automechanika Academy: The event will feature a series of high-level discussions focusing on EV readiness, digitalisation, smart workshops and supply chain localisation.
• Enhanced Sourcing: The new venue provides expanded capacity for country pavilions and regional buyers to establish cross-border partnerships.
• Early Business Cycle: By moving to January, the show aligns with the beginning of the fiscal year for many distributors and industry stakeholders, facilitating immediate dealmaking.

Martyn Cox, Show Director, Automechanika Riyadh, said, “Automechanika Riyadh 2027 represents an important evolution for the brand. The move to January and our new home at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre strengthens the show’s position as a key enabler of industry transformation in the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its automotive ambitions, the event will play a central role in supporting the development of a more integrated, innovative and globally competitive aftermarket sector.”

Chris Lee, Portfolio Director, Mobility & Logistics Division, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, added, “The strength of the Saudi automotive aftermarket continues to attract significant international interest, and Automechanika Riyadh provides a proven platform to unveil that opportunity. The 2027 edition will deliver an even more comprehensive and high-quality experience, bringing together the right audiences, the right solutions and the right conversations to drive business forward.”

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Nippon Paint India, a subsidiary of Nippon Paint Holdings, has launched FX10, a high-performance automotive aftercare range. The introduction coincides with the company’s 15th anniversary in India and represents an expansion of its presence in the consumer car care market. The company intends to use India as a primary market before exporting the range to global territories.

The FX10 portfolio comprises eighteen products designed for both interior and exterior maintenance. The range includes hydrophobic coatings, waterless wash solutions and surface restoration formulations. These products are engineered to allow vehicle owners to achieve results comparable to professional detailing through do-it-yourself applications. Distribution will be managed exclusively through digital channels, including the brand’s official website and Flipkart.

The product line focuses on ease of use and environmental compliance, featuring lab-tested, eco-friendly formulations. By incorporating water-saving technologies and preventive care solutions, the range addresses a growing consumer segment that prefers self-directed vehicle maintenance over traditional service centre visits.

Jenender Anand, Vice-President, Automotive Refinish, Nippon Paint India, said, “With FX10, we are going beyond conventional car care by putting professional-grade results directly in the hands of consumers. Today’s car owners don’t just maintain their vehicles; they take pride in them. FX10 combines Japanese precision with easy-to-use formulations to deliver a visible transformation every time, making car care effortless yet uncompromising.”

Manav Narula, GM – Marketing and E-commerce, Nippon Paint India, added, “India’s automotive landscape is evolving, with younger consumers increasingly viewing their vehicles as an extension of their personality. FX10 is a comprehensive car and bike care range that builds on Nippon Paint’s deep understanding of surfaces, extended into automotive aftercare. Each product delivers a distinct ‘X factor’ through visible, high-performance results, while remaining simple and intuitive to use. With FX10, we are making professional-grade automotive care more accessible for everyday enthusiasts.”

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Smart Garage, an AI-driven automotive service marketplace startup, has raised INR 24 million in a Pre-Series A funding round.

This capital, the company said, represents the initial phase of a broader INR 150 million fundraising target. The company intends to secure the remaining INR 126 million over the next 12 to 18 months to support its expansion and reach a projected revenue run-rate of INR 800 million by the end of FY2027.

The platform operates on a B2B2C model, connecting a network of more than 500 partner garages across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities with fleet operators, insurance firms and vehicle owners.

It aims to provide structure to India’s fragmented automotive aftermarket, which is currently valued at approximately USD 11–14 billion and forecast to reach USD 20–25 billion over the next decade. Smart Garage plans to scale its network to 10,000 workshops by 2030 through its software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform.

The newly acquired funds will be utilised to advance deep-learning capabilities in vehicle diagnostics, damage assessment and predictive maintenance. Smart Garage also intends to standardise its workshop network through structured training and strengthen digital workflows.

While the current revenue model is driven by franchise operations and spare parts supply via Pikpart, the company plans to introduce commission-based and recurring SaaS subscription models for its diagnostic and inventory management tools.

Pawan Singh Raghuvanshi, Founder and CEO, Smart Garage, said, “This INR 24 million Pre-Series A round marks the start of our broader INR 150 million fundraising journey. While the industry often focuses on hardware fixes, we believe real impact comes from solving deeper operational inefficiencies through AI and technology. Our goal is to build a transparent, trusted, and fully digital automotive aftermarket ecosystem in India – one that empowers workshops and delivers a seamless experience to customers.”

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