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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Shriram Automall India (SAMIL) has concluded ‘SAMIL Utsav 2026' a synchronised auction event held across its network in India. The company executed 135 live auctions simultaneously, generating over INR 1.95 billion in gross transaction value within a single day.

The event featured more than 19,000 pre-owned vehicles and equipment assets. A total of 8,500 transactions were completed, involving over 25,000 customers from 500 cities. The initiative saw participation from SAMIL group companies, including CarTrade Exchange, Adroit Auto and Augeo.

The auction included assets from segments such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, farm equipment and construction machinery. These assets were sourced from banks, NBFCs, OEMs, insurance companies and leasing firms.

Since its inception in 2011 with a single facility, SAMIL has expanded to more than 135 locations. The company utilises a ‘phygital’ model, combining physical infrastructure with digital platforms to manage the pre-owned asset marketplace.

Sameer Malhotra, Director & CEO, Shriram Automall India (SAMIL), said, “The auction showcased a diverse portfolio including: two-wheelers & three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, tractors & farm equipment, construction & heavy equipment. Assets were sourced from leading Indian banks, NBFCs, OEMs, insurance companies, leasing firms, aggregators and dealers – strengthening India’s organised asset remarketing ecosystem.”

“SAMIL Utsav 2026 is a defining milestone in our 15-year journey. Conducting over 135 simultaneous auctions across India in a single day reflects the strength of our nationwide network and the deep trust placed in us by our buyers and sellers. From one Automall in 2011 to over 135 locations today, our growth has been driven by transparency, technology, and strong partnerships. Our phygital model has transformed India’s organised pre-owned asset marketplace. As we move ahead, our focus remains on expanding access, strengthening digital integration and creating sustainable value for every stakeholder in the ecosystem,” added Malhotra.

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Gulf Oil Lubricants India (GOLIL) and Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Business have announced a multi-year renewal of their strategic partnership. This extension continues a collaboration that has been in place for over a decade.

The agreement was signed in Mumbai by R Veeraraghavan, Senior Vice-President – SSU, Mahindra–Farm Tractor Division and Ravi Chawla, Managing Director & CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India. Under the terms of the renewal, Gulf Oil will maintain the largest share of business for the duration of the partnership.

The alliance between the two entities began in 2011 through a co-branded initiative with Mahindra Automotive, before expanding into the Tractors Division in 2014. The renewed agreement is the longest-term set since the start of the collaboration.

The partnership focuses on several operational areas:

• Technological Innovation: Developing lubricant solutions tailored for tractor engines and farm machinery.
• Supply Chain Efficiency: Strengthening the distribution network to ensure product availability across the ecosystem.
• Digital Initiatives: Investing in digital tools to enhance services for channel partners and customers.
• Market Growth: Executing joint marketing campaigns to support the Mahindra tractor brand.

Ravi Chawla, said, “Our renewed partnership with Mahindra Tractors is a testament to the strength of our alliance and the shared values that drive it. In line with our long-term philosophy of partnership for growth, we have, over the past decade, consistently delivered reliable performance and service excellence, adding sustained value to Mahindra & Mahindra. This extension marks a new chapter where we continue to innovate, enhance services for channel partners, and create lasting value for Mahindra customers.”

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Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has expanded its aftersales service network in the Delhi-NCR region, which includes the establishment of a training centre, the deployment of mobile service units and the addition of new service touchpoints.

The company has established the Mahindra Institute of Learning Excellence Centre, a 26,000 sqft facility designed for staff training. The centre includes an experiential learning hall and provides instruction in sales, mechanical service and bodyshop operations. The facility aims to update the skills of professionals handling the company's portfolio of electric and internal combustion engine SUVs.

Mahindra is deploying dedicated eVans (Electric Vehicle Assistance Network) across Delhi-NCR, which are designed to provide maintenance for electric SUV owners at their doorstep.

The eVan capabilities include periodic maintenance and washing, minor repairs, battery pack with integrated charger, hydraulic scissor lift & wheel balancer and car care services.

The company intends to expand this mobile service to other cities in the coming months.

Mahindra is also adding five service touchpoints in the region, increasing its capacity by the equivalent of 70 working bays. This expansion includes a dedicated commercial vehicle facility in Northwest Delhi. The move is intended to reduce turnaround times and improve service accessibility for the SUV portfolio.

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Autoverse Mobility has announced a strategic integration with GetAFix, a garage management platform developed by Evenforce Technologies. The partnership aims to link parts procurement with workshop operations into a single digital workflow.

The system connects participants across the automotive aftermarket value chain, including manufacturers, distributors, garages and mechanics.

The core of the integration allows parts procurement requests to originate within the GetAFix platform for fulfilment by Autoverse. When a service advisor creates a job card or estimate, the system enables part identification, pricing and availability checks.

Real-time updates are reflected within GetAFix, providing workshops with visibility over the fulfilment process. For multi-brand garages, this eliminates manual coordination between workshop management and parts sourcing.

The integration provides specific outcomes for different sectors of the industry:

• Garages and Mechanics: Access to parts with assured fitment and reduced turnaround times for vehicle repairs.
• Manufacturers and Suppliers: Direct demand signals from repair jobs allow for improved forecasting and availability planning.
• Distributors: Predictability is enhanced through digitised order flows.
• Customers: Access to transparent estimates and faster repair completion.

Mihir Mohan, Founder and CEO, Autoverse Mobility, said, “The automotive aftermarket has traditionally operated in silos, with manufacturers, distributors, garages, and mechanics working on disconnected systems. This integration with GetAFix is a step toward changing that reality by building a connected ecosystem where information, demand, and fulfilment flow seamlessly from the factory floor to the mechanic’s bay.”

Srinath Rao, Founder and CEO, GetAFix, added, “Our focus has always been on simplifying workshop operations. By integrating Autoverse’s procurement and fulfilment capabilities directly into GetAFix, we are extending that simplicity beyond the workshop to the entire aftermarket ecosystem.”

The collaboration is designed to create a data-driven aftermarket system that reduces inefficiencies between production and last-mile consumption.

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