SMK, the premium brand of Studds Accessories Ltd, launched the SMK Cygnus helmet and a new collection of riding gear at India Bike Week 2025. The company, part of the world’s largest helmet manufacturer by volume, introduced several models and a complete riding jacket line-up following their debut at EICMA.

The SMK Cygnus features a 180deg rotating chin bar, a flip-back innovation that allows the helmet to convert between full-face and open-face modes. This mechanism enables the helmet to sit differently to suit various postures, such as an upright position for cruisers or a tucked position for sport riding.

The helmet is one of the few in India with P/J Certification, allowing it to be used safely in both open and closed positions. It is constructed with an Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic (EIRT) shell and a multi-density EPS liner. Features include a wide anti-scratch visor with Pinlock MaxVision @120, an integrated sun visor, a double D-ring fastener, and a removable hypoallergenic liner. The Cygnus is expected to retail between INR 17,000 and 20,000 in the coming months.

SMK also announced the arrival of the Ares and Nova models. The Ares includes a detachable sun peak and sun visor, while the Nova features an eyeglass-friendly harness and an optically corrected field of vision. These models will be priced at INR 6,350 and INR 3,900 respectively.

For urban and touring needs, the brand introduced the Delta City and Delta Tour demi-jet helmets:

Delta City: A lightweight helmet for commuting with an internal clear visor and moisture-wicking fabric.

Delta Tour: Designed for long distances with an external dual visor, contoured cheek pads, and pockets for Bluetooth communication systems. Prices for the Delta series start from INR 3,299.

The brand displayed its full riding jacket collection, all of which are CE Level A certified. The Infinity Rush and Gladiator models are designed for summer with mesh panels and waterproof liners. The Apex Adventura is a 3/4-length touring jacket with thermal liners and a hydration pack system. For women, the Athenova provides a winter solution with waterproofing and ergonomic styling.

Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director, STUDDS Accessories, said: “India Bike Week has always been about celebration of the evolving spirit of riding in India. As demand grows for premium motorcycles and high-quality riding gear, SMK has been at the forefront of leading this shift with our commitment to premium design, advanced safety and superior comfort, for diverse riding styles. We are proud to introduce our new helmet range, led by the Cygnus, along with refreshed graphics and an expanded jacket collection. The overwhelming response from riders today further validates SMK preference as a premium helmet Brand in India.”

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German technology supplier ZF continues to be upbeat on the potential growth in the Indian aftermarket segment. In a recent comprehensive briefing on the shifting dynamics of the automotive aftermarket, Philippe Colpron, Head of ZF Aftermarket and Executive Vice President of ZF Group, shared his views on the Indian market, bridging cutting-edge digital solutions with deep-rooted local industrialisation.

In CY2025, ZF’s global aftermarket revenue reached an estimated EUR 3.5 billion (with a broader EUR 4.8 billion impact across the ZF Group), Colpron highlighted India as a cornerstone of the company’s ‘Mobility Uptime’ vision.

He noted that India’s transition into a self-sustainable world economy has made it a ‘very special market’ for ZF, where the company has maintained a presence for over 60 years.

“India is a very strong country – not just in culture and people, but also as a strong world economy. Becoming self-sustainable as a digital hub where multinationals have established themselves is creating an evolution of its economy and its people, leading to massive growth in infrastructure and mobility,” Colpron said.

A key highlight of ZF’s strategy is the expansion of its digital platforms. Following a successful European rollout for SACHS and WABCO, ZF has extended its CorExpedia platform to include ZF and TRW parts.

Colpron noted that while India remains primarily a ‘repair market’ today, he indicated that CorExpedia could be introduced as the market matures toward remanufacturing.

“With the growth of connected vehicles, the use-cases are changing,” Colpron remarked. He also pointed to the successful response to ZF MultiScan, the company's new multi-brand diagnostic tool and the expansion of the ZF [pro]Tech network, which now counts over 400 workshops in India.

Furthermore, ZF is banking on a ‘higher share of local industrialisation’, which is further set to accelerate between the second half of 2026 and 2028. The company’s portfolio already covers between 14-95 percent of automotive segments in India, ranging from two-wheelers to heavy-duty trucks.

Colpron expressed that he was ‘positively surprised’ by current coverage and expects the 2026 fiscal year to perform better than initial estimates.

Responding to the impact of electrification in the aftermarket segment, Colron pivoted from hardware to the human element. He noted that the challenge for workshops isn't just the battery, but the high-voltage systems and extensive software.

“It is important to make the mechanics and workshop comfortable to handle the EVs, so that they don’t lose out on business tomorrow,” he explained. “They need training, awareness, and education. We want to make sure our partners have a profitable business; that is a key driver for us.”

Despite the market's price sensitivity, Colpron remained firm on quality. Whether dealing with new high-value vehicles or legacy parts, the specification remains identical.

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BASF-backed paint protection solutions company RODIM has opened its first brand store in India named Perfect Finish in collaboration with Pranav Sharma, CEO of Perfect Finish, in Faridabad.

The facility also marks RODIM’s first exclusive global brand store, positioning India as its first launch market worldwide.

RODIM is expanding its footprint through stores that focus on installation standards. The Faridabad site functions as a training centre where partners learn installation techniques to reduce material waste during PPF applications.

The inauguration was attended by representatives from BASF, including Andy Wong, Sooraj Kapur and Ram Kumar Gaur. They were joined by Ruchir Malhotra and Sachin Ahuja, Managing Partners of Sheen Automotive 360 LLP, the distributors for RODIM in India.

The company intends to roll out the store concept across the country. India was the location for the brand's product launch and remains part of expansion plans.

Andy Wong, Head of Business Management, Direct Importers, APAC, BASF, said, “This brand store represents RODIM’s long-term commitment to the Indian market. Our vision is to transform the largely unorganised detailing sector into a professional, structured business ecosystem.”

Amresh Khar, Senior Vice-President, BASF, said: “The milestone marks a significant step towards building a structured, technology-driven, and premium ecosystem for the automotive detailing industry in the country. The presence of leading automotive detailers from across India reflects the rising demand for premium protection solutions. We are balancing global technological excellence with Indian market sensibilities, affordability, and emotional value.”

Ruchir Malhotra, added, “Professional detailers have embraced RODIM’s global quality post-Automechanika. These premium outlets will accelerate growth while setting new benchmarks for service quality.”

Sachin Ahuja, noted, “The company plans to empower existing channel partners to upgrade their studios into world-class facilities.”

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ReadyAssist, an Indian AutoTech firm, has launched its ‘Project Shakthi’ to increase female participation in the automotive service sector. The initiative aims to train 300 women across 15 Indian cities over the next two years, offering an earning potential of up to INR 50,000 per month.

The programme focuses on Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune, with an initial goal of onboarding 25 women within the next six to 12 months. Project Shakthi is designed to create technical, field-based career pathways for women in an industry where they have been historically underrepresented.

The initiative prioritises accessibility, requiring no minimum education or prior technical background. Eligible applicants include women of legal working age, possessing a valid driving licence and be able to operate a two-wheeler. The future technicians undergo a 10-day, zero-cost training programme that combines classroom instruction with hands-on field experience. Training starts with GPS and Dashcam fitment, covering installation, configuration and diagnostics. Graduates are onboarded as service partners under a flexible, freelance model, allowing them to choose their working hours.

ReadyAssist aims to move beyond a pilot phase in Bengaluru, where the first batch of technicians has already been deployed — to a nationwide rollout. The company plans to collaborate with women’s empowerment organisations, training institutes and government bodies to scale the programme.

Vimal Singh SV, Founder & CEO, ReadyAssist, said, “At ReadyAssist, we believe talent and capability are not defined by gender, but by opportunity and support. Through Project Shakthi, we are creating structured pathways for women to step into technical and on-ground customer facing roles with the right training, tools, and opportunities.”

ReadyAssist stated that early data from the Bengaluru pilot indicates high levels of customer satisfaction and technical proficiency from female technicians. Following the initial focus on GPS and dashcam fitment, participants will have the opportunity to upskill into broader automotive service areas.

By removing traditional barriers to entry, ReadyAssist intends to build an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of its customer base while providing sustainable financial independence for women.

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PB Wheels, a brand of PolicyBazaar Fintech Group, aims to centralise fragmented vehicle management tasks into a single application.

Beyond its core insurance business, the service now incorporates vehicle information, maintenance scheduling, FASTag management and compliance tracking for PUC and traffic challans.

PB Wheels is currently operational in over 185 cities, providing access to a network of multi-brand garages. The platform's model focuses on transparent pricing and digital tracking to improve the traditional maintenance experience.

Sarbvir Singh, Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech, said, “Insurance is often where the relationship with the customer begins, but vehicle ownership goes far beyond that. With PB Wheels, we are building a single, dependable platform that brings together everything a vehicle owner needs, from servicing and maintenance to compliance and on-road safety. Our goal is to make managing a vehicle as simple, transparent, and hassle-free as possible.”

The platform is designed to handle the entire vehicle lifecycle through several key features:

• Maintenance: Users can book services with pickup and drop-off options and receive real-time updates on repairs.
• Compliance: The system provides active tracking for traffic fines and the status of mandatory certifications.
• Road Safety: The brand recently introduced ‘Safe Drive Home’ in Delhi NCR, a complimentary driver service intended to reduce drink-driving incidents.

By combining insurance claims processing with preventive maintenance, PB Wheels seeks to create a connected ecosystem that benefits both the consumer and the insurer through proactive vehicle care. The expansion reflects a broader strategy to move from a transaction-based insurance model to a long-term ownership relationship.

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